Community
30 May, 2025
Fundraiser celebrates milestone
CONVERSATION, tea, coffee and sweet treats were enjoyed by all at Lismore’s Biggest Morning Tea last Saturday, with the event raising a strong total.
Fifty people walked through the door and enjoyed a variety of sweet treats while catching up with friends as the event marked 25 years, with the fundraising tally reaching $3005.
Organiser Sandy Gibson said she was “nearly crying” at the strong response from the community.
“It’s been an amazing response from the district,” she said.
“I am absolutely so proud of the volunteers – it’s an amazing effort.
“I’m thrilled to pieces with the response, thrilled that so many were able to come.
“In other years, sometimes people are busy and come and sit for an hour before leaving, but nobody wanted to go home this time – they just all sat there and enjoyed it.
“I’m absolutely thrilled so many people were able to come from far and wide – I thank everybody so much for the support.”
Among those in attendance were volunteers and supporters from the first Biggest Morning Tea in Lismore, which was held back in 1999.
Attendees enjoyed a trivia game as well as some minor competitions, with small hampers awarded to people who had travelled the furthest to attend, the oldest attendee and more.
A display was also set up of newspaper clippings on previous events, showing a timeline from the inaugural event to recent times.
Mrs Gibson extended her gratitude to everyone who donated, whether it was prizes for the raffle, trivia and lucky door prize or a monetary donation to go towards Cancer Council.
“The Camperdown Clocktower Quilters made a wonderful donation of $800,” she said.
“We had another one of $300 – we had lots of $150 and $100 donations.
“People were most generous.”
Mrs Gibson also extended her gratitude to Carole Manifold, who served as the guest speaker at the event.
Mrs Manifold spoke about her breast cancer journey and the importance of regular breast screening, encouraging attendees to connect with local services to attend screening appointments.
“They really enjoyed the whole morning – they enjoyed the social side, and they really enjoyed Carole speaking,” Mrs Gibson said.
“I think it was a very worthwhile contribution from Carole and I’d like to thank her.”
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