Cantabrians share tea to support tamariki!

People across Canterbury are filling up their tea cups this August to benefit Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. Schools, businesses, local leaders, whānau and friends alike are coming together to host morning teas, bake sales, workplace shouts and other fun events under the umbrella of a renewed historic fundraising initiative for the charity: ‘Canterbury’s Biggest Morning Tea’.

Toni Tinirau, Kaiwhakahaere Matua - General Manager at Cholmondeley says that seeing so many Cantabrians back the re-ignited event is a welcome boost for the team and tamariki at the Centre. 

“With the impacts of the ongoing pandemic and rising costs disrupting Cholmondeley’s traditional funding methods, we rely on our community now more than ever to continue supporting our local tamariki and whānau. This event is a simple way that a wide range of Cantabrians can show their support for the next generation. A huge mihi to all those hosting events this month,” she says.

First to back the event was Governors Bay School, with primary-aged students leading a bake sale on 15 August to support the children who visit Cholmondeley. “Our student council loved the idea that the event would benefit kids in our immediate community. The tamariki went all out, creating beautiful cupcakes, biscuits, cheese puffs, marmite scrolls, elaborately decorated gingerbread dinosaurs (VERY popular) and cakes. In total, 300 items were sold, raising $300,” says Meagan Kelly Tumuaki - Principal.

Christchurch Casino also held a bake sale with staff, raising more than $600. “Our tamariki are our future and they all deserve the best life can provide them and their whanau, so this is our small way of helping,” says Megan Perry, People & Culture/Payroll Coordinator.

Other events will be held by Cashmere Primary Te Pae Kererū, Saunders Robinson Brown, Jason Gunn, Ilam Toyota, PwC Christchurch, New World Rangiora and more.

Cantabrians can get involved with Canterbury’s Biggest Morning Tea by making a donation or registering an event at cbmt.raisely.com. Registrations are open for the entire month of August, with prizes from New World Durham Street up for grabs for event hosts.