WHEN Hillier Park’s Joan Reilly puts the kettle on next Thursday, she will help fund life-saving research, prevention, advocacy and support programs for those affected by cancer.
The passionate 82-year-old has been hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Teas for more than 20 years, and this year will host her second for friends and fellow-residents of the Hillier Park Residential Village.
“I love doing it, it’s such a good cause and everyone has a great time,” she said.
“We do tea and coffee, a range of homemade treats, raffles and prizes. I even hand-knit tea cosies for the tea pots.
“This year, there will be also be dance group The Breakaways playing the ukulele and another local dance group, The Cocktails, performing to keep everyone entertained.”
When she started hosting Biggest Morning Tea events, Joan said she didn’t know anyone affected by cancer.
However, she has since had several loved ones lose their life to the disease.
“The hardest loss was my brother, who passed away three years ago,” she said.
“He was five years younger than me, and always seemed so fit and healthy, so it came as a complete shock.
“...recently, we lost a dear friend in our community to lung cancer. Not long after, his wife also passed away from cancer.
“It’s so sad to see and motivates everyone in our community to give back and make a difference.”
Since Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea began in 1994, communities across the country have come together over a cuppa and a bite to eat in support of those affected by cancer.
In 2021, the official day to host a morning tea is Thursday, May 27, but participants can register to host at any time throughout May or June. Joan’s event will be held on Thursday, May 20.
Participants are encouraged to host Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea their way – whether it’s at home with friends or family, a simple morning tea in the office with workmates, virtually online or by hosting a gathering in a local community or at school.
This year, the Cancer Council hopes to recruit more than 30,000 morning tea hosts and raise more than $13 million nationally.
Events can be registered with Cancer Council SA at biggestmorningtea.com.au or by calling 1300 65 65 85.