Cuppas fight cancer one brew at a time

Jenny Theobald and Sharyn Allsopp at the Evergreen fund-raiser. 167983_01 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Bonny Burrows and Helena Adeloju

Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fund-raiser was in full swing across Cardinia shire on 25 May, with residents of all ages enjoying a cuppa in the hope of a cure.
In light of recent deaths from the deadly disease, Evergreen Retirement Village Pakenham hosted a “ramped up” version of its annual fund-raiser complete with a mega raffle with more than 60 prizes.
Event organiser and breast cancer survivor Sharyn Allsopp said the village had lost a number of residents to cancer during the past 12 months, which really drove home the importance of cancer research.
“This year it was a lot more personal for a lot of people. We all have either had it or know someone with cancer. It’s terrible,” Ms Allsopp said.
Fifty-five residents gathered at the village for the morning tea, which raised $1286 for the national cancer organisation.
“There was plenty of food, laughs and hugs. It was just perfect, I couldn’t of asked for a better day,” Ms Allsopp said.
Meanwhile, residents from Pakenham, Kooweerup and Tooradin continued their 13-year-old Biggest Morning Tea tradition at the Cardinia Recreation Reserve.
Organiser Roxanne Taranto said the morning tea extended into lunch, with the complementary fruit and vegetable stall, craft table, auction and raffles throughout the day combining to raise $5000.
Ms Taranto took over the organisation of the local Cancer Council fundraiser when her mother passed away six years ago.
“It is a cause that affects everyone, so the big effort is well worthwhile,” she said.
In total, the Cardinia Biggest Morning Tea has raised more than $65,000 for the Cancer Council over the years.