Salvation Army cashes in on sales of Major Brendan Nottle gingerbread men

The Salvo’s Major Brendan Nottle is well-known for his tireless work supporting the city’s vulnerable. Now the “urban saint” has been immortalised as a gingerbread man and demand for the treats have been huge.

Melbourne’s “urban saint” — Salvation Army city commander Major Brendan Nottle — has been immortalised as a gingerbread man to raise money for the charity.

Almost $2000 has been collected for the Salvos so far, after Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses started selling the biscuits on Tuesday.

“We knew the Gingerbread Nottles would be popular but have been absolutely overwhelmed with the demand to “nibble a Nottle”, with 40 stores selling out in the first 24 hours,” said company spokesman Steve Plarre.

BRENDAN NOTTLE NAMED MELBURNIAN OF THE YEAR

HOW THE SALVOS ARE HELPING MELBOURNE’S HOMELESS

CONCIERGES TO LINK CITY’S HOMELESS WITH SOCIAL WORKERS

City of Melbourne councillor Beverley Pinder, Salvation Army Maj Brendan Nottle and Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood launch the Nottle biscuits at Queen Victoria Market.

The idea was concocted by Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood and promoted by 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, who wanted to recognise Maj Nottle’s tireless work for the homeless and troubled youth.

Ferguson Plarre is donating $1 from each biscuit sold in-store or online to the Salvos Project 614 Night Cafe-Safe Space project.

Maj Brendan Nottle receives a gingerbread man made in his image. Picture: Squad Consulting

Maj Nottle, a former Melburnian of the Year, said he was embarrassed by the gesture.

“But Melburnians have really had a tough time in the last couple of days, and we’re looking to do something good for our city,” he said.

Cr Wood said that Maj Nottle was popularly known as an “urban saint”.

“He does so much for those who are less unfortunate,” he said.

Maj Nottle consoles Pellegrini’s co-owner Nino Pangrazio after last Friday’s terrorist attack.

Mr Plarre said there had also been a sort of political ceasefire as passengers on the Labor and Coalition state election campaign buses had taken time out to nibble a Nottle.

“Our team will be working overtime to ensure the shelves are restocked for tomorrow so please head to one of our stores or shop online to show your support for the Salvation Army’s Night Café Safe Space,” he said.

fergusonplarre.com.au