Berwick resident Joanne Benson is preparing to host Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. 30381 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Kelly Yates
A BERWICK woman is flicking on the kettle for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Cups of coffee, quiches and biscuits will be on the menu at Joanne Benson’s home later this month as she hosts a morning tea to join in the fight against cancer.
With more than 116 Casey residents taking part in the fund-raising event for Cancer Council Victoria, Ms Benson said she took part to keep her uncle’s memory alive who passed away in 2006.
“Graeme was diagnosed with lung cancer and died within eight months of us knowing about it,” she said.
“He was only 46 years old and it all happened so suddenly.”
Ms Benson, who is also a relay captain for Team Graeme in the Casey Cardinia Relay for Life fundraiser, is encouraging others to host a morning tea.
“It’s not hard to run one and it’s a great way to raise money and have a catch up,” she said.
The 29-year-old is hoping to raise $500 in donations from her guests including family and friends.
Cancer Council Victoria spokesperson Barbara Fernandez said last year more than 200 hosts stirred themselves into action at morning teas across Casey raising more than $77,000.
“One Australian is diagnosed with cancer every five minutes, around the length of an average tea break, with Victoria having more than 24,000 residents diagnosed each year,” She said.
Since first beginning in 1994, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events across Australia have raised more than $40 million.
“We are hoping to reach a record breaking $11 million this year to fund life-saving cancer research and education programs to help prevent cancer and support programs for people in times of great need,” Ms Fernandez said.
For details call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
