Last month, progressive political activist group GetUp! launched a campaign urging restaurant-goers to visit their local Chinese restaurants after misinformation about the coronavirus resulted in a downturn of trade. Some businesses claim losses of up to 50 per cent of their income over unqualified concern about the virus. To combat this unfair situation, GetUp! launched #IWillEatWithYou.
“While other restaurants and public spaces are still buzzing, it is the Chinatown restaurants and Asian grocers that stand empty,” the group shared. “Panic around the virus is unfairly impacting Chinese and Asian communities.
“If we don’t take action – people will lose their jobs, and their livelihoods.”
It’s absolutely heartbreaking that it even got to this point. Though we can’t say we’re surprised given the pure stupidity that’s been on display these past few weeks.
To support the movement, Gelato lords Messina will be bringing their vintage ice cream truck to Burwood Chinatown this Saturday, March 7th, to dish up 1000 free scoops of ice-cream from 4-7 pm. This is an attempt to combat the impact that coronavirus hysteria has had on businesses in the area.
Those who venture to Burwood will be able to indulge on their choice of one of Messina’s irresistible flavours. With Pandan, coconut, milk chocolate, choc-peanut fudge, cookies and cream and boysenberry all on offer. There’ll be vegan and gluten-free options too so everyone can get involved.
Hawker eateries will also embellish the street so you can nosh out on some truly delicious savoury fare. There’s also going to be a bouncing castle, balloons and face painting so bloody cancel your plans, buzz it down and make a day of it.
What: Free Messina day
Where: Burwood Chinatown
133 Burwood Road, Burwood
When: Sat, Mar 7, 2020, 4:00pm
