By Callum Ludwig
Japara Neighbourhood House hosted a Biggest Morning Tea event for the community on Thursday 25 May.
The Biggest Morning Tea was held around the country in support of the Cancer Council.
Japara Neighbourhood House’s Community Engagement Officer Kelly Koolen said cancer means something different to everyone and most of us have been touched by it in some way, shape or form.
“There are people here today who have experienced cancer closely and others here to raise awareness for the Cancer Council, and it shows the importance of community spirit,” she said.
“It’s one thing to donate or raise money but another to create a community feel and bring people together.”
The Yarra Valley Singers, who have been using the space at Japara, were in attendance and performed for attendees.
Japara Neighbourhood House’s Community Engagement Coordinator Christie Humble said cancer can be very isolating, particularly if people are going through treatments that mean they have limited contact.
“People can be cut off from loved ones, cut off from the community so this provides an opportunity as well, for people to come in and see that it’s a shared experience,” she said.
“I lost all four of my grandparents to different forms of cancer, it’s right throughout our family and I think it’s crucial to know you are not alone.”
$6,035,669 has been raised from the Biggest Morning Tea as of Friday 26 May, with 21,826 events having been registered.
Ms Humble said places like Japara are opportunities for people from all different walks of life to connect and find something that they have in common.
“We need to provide opportunities for people to connect and to reflect but also enjoy little moments of life, especially for those that have survived something like cancer,” she said.
“Often there are things that separate us in life and I just really encourage people to walk through the door of their local community because it really is an opportunity to grow some roots in your own community.”
