It's time once again for the annual U.G.L.Y. bartender competition, a fundraising opportunity that invites the most generous and kind of heart bar staff across the nation to pitch in and try and raise money to support those suffering from blood cancers.

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The funding raised by participants and their sponsors provides support and away-from-home housing for those inflicted with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

According to Leukaemia Foundation CEO Bill Petch the competition is recognised as Australia's largest hospitality based charity fundraiser and has raised $13 million, a sum that has provided over 160,000 nights accommodation for rural and regional Australians who have had to travel to capital cities for treatment.

"This vital support takes away the financial and emotional burden of finding and paying for accommodation, allowing them to focus on the most important thing - getting well," Mr Petch said.

"U.G.L.Y stands for Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You and this label really reflects the kind-hearted and giving natures of bartenders in our clubs, pubs and hotels, which are often the heartbeat of Australian communities."

Bartenders looking to get involved, or those looking to support them in their effort can do so online on the Foundation's website at www.uglybartender.org.au.