When GMCU Benalla held a Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for Cancer Council Australia, one attendee knew all too well the importance of their work.
Benalla Mayor Danny Claridge shared that his daughter has terminal cancer and expressed hope that funds raised by events like the morning tea will help find a cure.
He was joined by Benalla Rural City Councillors Gail O’Brien, Puna Gunaratne and Bernie Hearn.
“Id like to congratulate the GMCU on supporting the biggest morning tea,” he said.
“I was particularly touched by the speeches. It’s a great thing to try to help with the battle against cancer.
“I have a daughter who has terminal cancer, so I can understand how people feel and how it touches so many lives.
“Hopefully in the future, if people donate generously, there will be a cure.”
Branch manager Nathan Tolliday said he was pleasantly surprised when more than 40 local people showed up, especially considering it was held during business hours.
“To have such a big group of people at our first event like this was really special,” Mr Tolliday said.
“I think everyone who attended got something out of it. Cancer effects so many people.
“One of my colleagues spoke about her experience of cancer, which was very emotional.”
Mr Tolliday said the weather was perfect, and the fundraising effort was more successful than expected.
“We raised $708,” he said.
“We didn’t sell tickets or ask everyone to donate. We arranged the morning tea, had some speeches and simply said that if anyone could donate it would be appreciated.”
Mr Tolliday thanked all those who donated and said anyone who didn’t attend was still able to donate directly via www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/donate/
“At GMCU we want to be more than just a financial institution,” he said.
“We look to support the community in which we’re located with events like this.
“Cancer effects a lot of people and by holding events like this we can reaffirm our commitment to our community.”