Biggest Morning Tea

The Parkville Gardens community banded together to host its Biggest Morning Tea last month to raise money for cancer research.

More than 50 people gathered at the event on May 22 where there was plenty of homemade cakes, sweets, and freshly squeezed lemonade to go around.

Organiser Ajith Vasanthakumar said the event was a “big success” with the community raising a total of $507 through gold coins and online donations, which will go towards the Cancer Council.

“I was overwhelmed by the support of my neighbours and community,” he said. “I did not expect such a big turnout and was really surprised by everyone’s enthusiasm.”

“I organised the event but the help from volunteers really underpinned the success.”

He said families also pitched in to decorate and arrange tables for the street event which was held at Manchester Lane in Parkville Gardens.

Attendees were well fed as community members and local businesses helped bake and donate food items.

Following its success, Mr Vasanthakumar said the community would “surely organise this event again”.

Cancer Council Victoria’s head of fundraising Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said the generosity of communities meant “we can continue our work in cancer research, prevention programs, advocacy, and support services”.

This year participants were encouraged to host their Biggest Morning Tea their way – whether at home, with workmates, virtually, or at a gathering in a local community or school.  The official day to host a morning tea is May 27, but participants can register to host at any time throughout May or June.

More than 36,000 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer each year, while more than 138,000 Australians are diagnosed annually •