Sharing a cuppa to support a good cause

Rose Street was buzzing at brunch time last Monday as the aroma of piping hot tea spilled out into the street, signalling another year of the Wee Waa Cancer Support Group’s Biggest Morning Tea.

This year the Australia-wide event turned the big three-zero, and devoted attendees marked 30 years while gathering in the sun-filled and enchanted garden setting at Paul and Cheryl Boyle’s home.

Cancer Council community coordinator Shaen Fraser gave a speech on what the funds raised from the annual event mean to the Cancer Council’s work in cancer research, prevention, advocacy, and support programs for those affected by cancer.

Anne Weekes has been the president of the Wee Waa Support Group for 15 years and said, “We are always grateful for the community support in Wee Waa.

“Everyone at these events has been touched by cancer in some way and recognises how important support in regional towns is.

“This year’s theme is ‘hosting for a friend’ so the idea is to host a big morning tea to support people in the group that are going through a cancer journey.”

The national event is one of the Cancer Council’s leading fundraising efforts, and since its inception, the fundraisers have raised more than $200 million for people impacted by cancer.

“Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime so it’s vital for us to continue reducing the impact of cancer across NSW,” Shaen noted in her speech.

She also thanked the community for the incredible difference that local support groups make for those in the area to gain access to the facilities and treatments needed for their cancer journey.

The embracing hosts felt lucky to welcome members of their support group at their home, after moving from their property into the town residence, and snowy baskets of cotton framed the trestle overhanging the occasion to the delight of attendees.

The cutting of The Biggest Morning Tea 30th cake, more delicious baked goods, and a fun raffle also gave guests plenty to enjoy, and their fundraising efforts made for a wonderfully generous donation to the Cancer Council.

The official day for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is on Thursday, May 25 but events will be running all through May and June.