Tea for a cause
WHILE enjoying a delicious morning tea and the opportunity to socialise was reason enough to head to the Fish Creek Hotel on Thursday for the Biggest Morning Tea, it was a gathering with a cause.
WHILE enjoying a delicious morning tea and the opportunity to socialise was reason enough to head to the Fish Creek Hotel on Thursday for the Biggest Morning Tea, it was a gathering with a cause.
Part of the town’s now famous Tea Cosy Festival, but like other Biggest Morning Tea events, the aim was to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
With attendees donating generously and a raffle held, $2509 was generated for the cause.
Although a light-hearted atmosphere largely prevailed, there was a serious aspect to the occasion.
Megan Vuillermin of Sandy Point spoke of her two battles with breast cancer, the first of which hit at just 25 years old.
The second began aged 50 and is a continuing battle.
Megan spoke of the mental challenges of dealing with cancer and its effects.
The first time she felt too young to experience breast cancer, and this time she has a husband and children giving her even more to live for.
“I want to give myself every chance,” Megan said.
She pointed to the huge advances in medicine and cancer treatment even in the 26 years since she was originally diagnosed.
Changes she has seen go right across the spectrum, including testing, diagnosis, surgery and treatment.
“Your contribution today will go towards the changes that will happen over the coming years,” she told her attentive audience.
Co-organiser Karen Dorling was delighted with the success of the day and appreciative of the guest speaker’s willingness to talk publicly about such a personal issue.
“We are grateful to Megan for speaking so openly and honestly about her journey,” Karen said.
Karen also thanked the Fish Creek Hotel for hosting the event, along with the Fish Creek traders, sponsors, and those who donated raffle prizes.
She also thanked all those who attended, praising their generous donations.
Karen is part of the Fish Creek Community Development Group, organising the Biggest Morning Tea event with other group members Helen Ritt and Kim Kemper.
“We as organisers were blown away by how well supported it was, so we couldn’t be happier,” Karen said.
In addition to the total raised at the morning tea, others donated online, so the overall amount had already risen by almost $100 by Thursday afternoon.
