The Cancer Council is encouraging Hunter supporters to put the kettle on and reconnect by hosting a virtual morning tea from the comfort of your own home, via video chat.

The official Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is Thursday 28 May, but anyone can host their own morning tea anytime during May or June.

By hosting or attending an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, participants are helping the Cancer Council continue their life-saving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs.

Cancer Council NSW’s Community Relations Co-Ordinator from Lake Macquarie, Gemma Pedri, said now more than ever is an important time to reconnect with the community and look out for each other.

“Your support during this time is more important than ever for communities impacted by cancer, so get your friends, neighbours, family or colleagues together over video chat and raise a cuppa and vital funds,” Gemma said.

Hosting a virtual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event is not only a great way to raise funds for those in need but is also a great opportunity to stay connected with those you may not have seen for a while, during times of social distancing and self-isolation.

“We know that it can be tough working from home without your colleagues around, so hosting a workplace virtual morning tea will help you reconnect, keep your team culture strong and morale high,” she said.

“Have a virtual team bake off with the ingredients in your store cupboard, share photos and donate what you usually would to an office morning tea.”

For friends, families and neighbours, a cuppa over video chat is the perfect way to stay in touch and support each other.

People can also share their best home-cooked recipes in return for a donation to your biggest morning tea fundraising.

Alternatively, if you people don’t have time or the resources to host a virtual morning tea, they can simply SMS the word CUPPA to 0437 371 371 and donate the cost of a cup of coffee.

“We’ll be with you every step of the way and in the lead up to hosting a Biggest Morning Tea, we’ll provide tips, ideas and anything you need to help make your morning tea a success,” Gemma said.

“By supporting the cause, you will be making a difference in the lives of almost 48,000 people in NSW diagnosed with cancer each year.”

To donate or register to host a virtual morning tea, you can visit the Australian Biggest Morning Tea website.

Any interested tea-party hosts will receive a free digital host kit with everything they need to make their morning tea a success.

IMAGE | Cancer Council encourages locals to host tea party via video chat – Image taken by Jacquie Manning.