QUEENSLANDERS will be able to enjoy a little slice of the Ekka at home, with DIY strawberry sundae kits being sold to raise money for the fight against COVID-19.
While the pandemic means the Ekka has been cancelled this year, the 30-year tradition of selling the famous sundaes will be continued to benefit the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation's The Common Good initiative.
Queenslanders will still be able to enjoy this much-loved taste of Ekka from five pop-up strawberry sundae stalls around Brisbane during the scheduled 10 days of Ekka from August 7 to 16.
Residents can also order a DIY strawberry sundae pack for their workplace, school or club, with 100 and 20 pack options including all the ingredients to make the traditional Ekka snack.
The Common Good chief executive Michael Hornby said more than 150,000 people each year enjoyed an Ekka Strawberry Sundae.
"Having to deliver sundaes differently this year means we have set a target of selling 60,000 sundaes," Mr Hornby said.
"But selling sundaes is vital to The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation and our researchers' lifesaving medical research.
"And of course, it gives people the chance to have that little Ekka treat that signifies hope in what has been a challenging year for all of us."
It comes after the state government donated $75,000 to the charity.
"For every dollar gifted by the government, we will return over three times that in benefit to the research community and valuable income to Queensland businesses who supply the equipment and product," Mr Hornby said.
"The strawberry sundae is its own economy that involves four tonnes of fresh Queensland strawberries, six tonnes of local Lick strawberry ice cream and three tonnes of vanilla, fridges, freezers, transport, cones, and cream, and some casual jobs.
"Ironically, funds raised from the sale of Ekka strawberry sundaes will be used to help in the battle against COVID-19, the virus that has changed our world and meant our sundaes will be delivered differently this year."
People who bought an Ekka strawberry sundae were encouraged to post a photo and use the hashtag #eatqld.
To order the strawberry sundae pack visit thecommongood.org.au. Orders close on July 23.