Whether you have experienced cancer first hand, or are supporting the one in two Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, the Cancer Council is encouraging people of all ages to join forces by having a cuppa for cancer. The Community Relations Coordinator at Cancer Council NSW’s Western Region office, Kate Schofield, said that each year the council is amazed at the way the Western Region embraces Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, which last year raised $255,000 across the region and more than $10 million Australia wide.

“Last year close to 1,000 residents from the Western Region hosted a morning tea. It’s thanks to the support of those fantastic hosts that Cancer Council NSW has been able to increase its total research spend by more than 20 per cent to nearly $13 million in the last year,” Kate said.

“Money raised through Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea also goes towards services for cancer patients, their family and friends who need our support, the Cancer Helpline [13 11 20], as well as information and prevention programs so that fewer people will hear the words ‘you have cancer’.”

Aside from raising funds that help reduce the impact of cancer in the community, Aust-ralia’s Biggest Morning Tea also gives supporters, their friends and colleagues, a fun opportunity to get together and support loved ones affected by cancer.

Getting involved is as easy as brewing your favourite cuppa:

Who: Get together friends, family, school mates, work colleagues, or anyone who wants to help defeat cancer in your community.

When: The official date is May 28, but you can hold your morning tea any time in May.

Where: Anywhere! You can hold your morning tea at home, at work or at school, or in your local town hall. How: Hosting a morning tea is easy. Invite your friends, family or work colleagues, and encourage them to donate to the cause.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your morning tea is – every cup counts in the fight against cancer! The possibilities are endless. To register to host your morning tea or to make a donation, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.