The fourth Thursday in May is Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, an event that also stops the nation for a few minutes, but whose result has a huge impact on the lives of local cancer patients and their communities.

Each year more than 700 hosts in schools, businesses, social groups and clubs right across western NSW hold a morning tea to support The Cancer Council NSW in their mission to defeat cancer.

“Last year, around nine local hosts helped to raise over $5,200 from morning teas around the Canowindra, Gooloogong, Eugowra and Cudal areas.” said Kate Schofield, Community Relations Coordinator for The Cancer Council’s Western regional office.

“Anyone can host their own morning tea, it doesn’t matter how big or small it is – every cup counts in the fight against cancer. “said Ian Armstrong, Chairman of the Regional Advisory Committee for The Cancer Council NSW. “People of all ages get involved in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea each year,” said Ian.

“We have student representative groups, pre-schoolers and their grandparents, business men, right through to seniors in aged care facilities who all take time to share a cuppa and make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in their

community.”

Funds raised from last year’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea ensured that over 780 people from the Western region last year received free, confidential information and support from experienced cancer nurses through the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.

Money raised also benefited over 40 people from the Central West region who joined in a support group for cancer patients, families and carers over the phone in our Telephone Support Group

program last year as well as over 70 local childcare centres are now participating in our skin cancer prevention program and 11 have already qualified as SunSmart Centres.

While the official date is Thursday 22nd May, teas can be held throughout May and this year we hope close to 1,000 hosts in the Western region will help us raise over $250,000.