Docklanders dig deep for cancer charity

The Cancer Council of Victoria’s Biggest Morning Tea was again BIG in Docklands this year, with about $13,000 raised.

Berth Restaurant in NewQuay again offered its venue for the May 25 event and, by the end of the day more than $11,000 was raised from ticket sales, raffles, auctions and other activities to support cancer research.

It was the fourth time Berth had organised the event, with this year raising the largest amount. Local real estate agent Glen Lucas conducted the auction. Items ranged from dinner vouchers at Berth to a designer dress.

Carlton Football Club’s AFLW player Darcy Vescio joined the morning tea and presented a jersey signed by Carlton FC for auction.

At Yarra’s Edge Petra and Brian Harmer-Shrowder again opened their home and $1800 was raised for cancer research.

The fundraiser was part of the nationwide Biggest Morning Tea, the most popular and the largest fundraising event in Australia.

Neighbours were joined by members of three clubs – Yarra’s Edge Coffee Club, Yarra’s Edge Social Club and Ionians Melbourne (82) Club.

Funds were raised through online donations, attendance and raffle prizes such as: Palais Theatre tickets, Ainsworth Estate wines, Arbory Bar and Eatery vouchers, jewellery, transformation life coaching and computer games. Attendees brought plates of home made goodies with even Florentines brandishing the teal ribbon for ovarian cancer and pink ribbon for breast cancer.

Petra said many attendees had their own story to tell with cancer either undergoing treatment or in remission from pancreatic, heart, bowel, and ovarian cancer.

Recent losses of friends, family and celebrities were remembered, with emotions running high at times.