After hearing the devastating news that my 40 year old niece had been diagnosed with Breast cancer, I began thinking more and more about ways to help. Did you know that around 50,000 women are diagnosed with this dreadful disease every year? The ways which I could help were only small but I was assured that even the smallest donation goes a long way to help with the necessary research and can supply vital information to women, making them aware of the signs. Working in the care home industry as an Activities Coordinator means we can raise funds and put on special events for all kinds of charities and my chosen charity this time around is Breast Cancer Care Strawberry Tea.
What better time of year to get planning, with the sun shining and people enjoying the outdoors and lets face it, most people adore strawberries. So.................... Pen and paper to the ready, we drew up a list of the essentials. Strawberries (of course), tons of fresh cream, keen bakers to make scones & cakes, marquees (essential with our great British weather), sparkling wine along with the obligatory tea and coffee and some relaxing music, we always try and get some live entertainment for these events, and I can just imagine a trio of musicians playing soft jazz in the background.
We then composed a bright and colourful poster and flyers and begged local shop keepers to put them in their windows free of charge and then cheekily asked for a donation for the planned raffle (well if you don't ask you don't get!) Our home has a Facebook page too so we will advertise on there and invite people to come along and bring a friend. Even if we make £100 we will be happy in the knowledge that it will help 2,000 for 10 months with the information on breast cancer that they need.
My niece has now been given the all clear, which is fantastic news for her, her husband and their 3 year old daughter Lilly.
You can hold a Breast Cancer Care Strawberry Tea too.