Charlotte Varcoe
MANY will gather at the Blue Lake Bar and Bistro later this month with steaming cups of tea and delicious treats to raise funds for cancer.
The annual Biggest Morning Tea will attract people from near and far for a day of fun activities and raffles in a bid to raise money for Cancer Council.
Biggest Morning Tea host Karen Petersen said although this year would remain similar to previous years, it would have a focus on raising not only money but also awareness for Green Hill Lodge and cancer research, prevention and support.
Aiming to raise more than $6000, she said this year’s event would be as big as ever with a kick start already in place after the Key 2 Kindness charity donated $500.
“Sadly everyone is still affected by cancer in our region and it is important for our regional patients and families to be able to have that support in Adelaide and to be able to stay at the new Green Hill Lodge facility,” Ms Petersen said.
“Any money we raise is important for the Limestone Coast people so they are able to go to Adelaide for their treatment.”
With the same committee as last year, Ms Petersen said there was loads of support from local businesses.
“We will still have the trading table in memory of Peter Berry because it is important to keep that memory going but we will also have a special guest speaker from the prevention team in Adelaide who will be able to give a bit of an insight into where the funds go and about Green Hill Lodge,” she said
“It will be great to have her in the room and then the ladies in the room can speak to her one-on-one instead of in a group forum in case they want to talk about their personal journey.”
Ms Petersen said it was important to have someone in the room who was involved in the prevention team to allow for those conversations to be had.
“Last year was 30 years of the Biggest Morning Tea and I think it is so important to keep it going because sadly we are still seeing people affected by cancer,” she said.
“We need to have the funds available for research and treatment.”
Encouraging the local community to jump on board, Ms Petersen said it was time to try and find a cure for cancer.
“I would love to find a cure but if we can keep raising money I think that is the important message,” she said.
“This is my third year hosting the Biggest Morning Tea and I myself and everyone on my committee has been affected by cancer, I have lost my sister and friends have lost their mothers and sisters so we are all deeply affected.
“We want this to continue in our community because if we can keep it going and keep the message out there, keep raising money one day we might find a cure and I would love that.”
The event will be held at the Blue Lake Bar and Bistro on May 31 at 9.45am for a 10am start.
Tickets are available for purchase from Redgum Country.
