Cups runneth over as community holds tea mornings

KATINA CURTIS

BELLY dancers, stocking sales, giant teddy bears and lots of cups of tea and coffee: Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo residents stopped at nothing to raise money for cancer research last week.

There were 57 morning teas in our municipality that together raised more than $12,000 as part of the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraising drive.

Sandra and Arthur Papageorge, from Kiama’s Parkview Café, donated all the money from their coffee sales on Thursday and collected donations throughout the week, raising more than $1000.

Mrs Papageorge said they even had a lady whose cancer was in remission volunteer her services for the day.

Kiama Adult Care raised $800 with a jumble sale and morning tea in memory of Gerringong resident Helen Colyer, who died earlier in the year from breast cancer.

“We were grateful for the chance to remember Helen and to aid the research that will one day wipe tears from many eyes,” co-ordinator Freda Simpson said.

LJ Hooker Kiama had a visit from Mr Hooker bear, who handed out balloons and goodie bags and proved a favourite with passing kids.

Amy Bowles said those who attended enjoyed a morning tea donated by Brumby’s and Sevbak bakeries. They raised $252.

At East’s Beach Holiday Park, a crowd enjoyed cakes, slices and scones baked by the park’s staff and took part in raffles and a lolly guessing competition.

Assistant manager Loneen McLeod said these activities plus some “really generous” donations led to them raising almost $7400.

The Jamberoo ladies who attended Lisa Papesch’s morning tea have well-clad legs after a friend brought along Italian stockings to sell. All profits from the stockings were given over to the charity and, along with donations from the attendees, Ms Papesch said they raised $314.

In Gerringong, a community morning tea in the town hall raised nearly $1500.

Charmaine Wheatley from Curves Kiama said those who attended the gym’s morning tea were entertained by a belly dancer. They raised $283 for the Cancer Council.