BANGALOW Country Women’s Association’s highest-profile member, comedian Mandy Nolan, helped the organisation raise more than $9,000 for cancer research and support programs at Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea last week.<\/p>\n
The much-loved entertainer, who acted as emcee for the event, kept a crowd of more than 200 guests laughing at Moller Pavilion in Bangalow Showground as they enjoyed slices, scones and sandwiches during the fundraiser.<\/p>\n
“It was fantastic because last year we only raised $5,500, so it’s a big increase,” Bangalow Country Women’s Association president Michelle Johnston said. “Last year we had around 140 people attend so this year we thought we might get 160, but we ended up with 205.<\/p>\n
“It was very nerve wracking at the beginning because we couldn’t find chairs for everybody. Next year we are thinking of moving it to the A&I Hall so there’s more room.”<\/p>\n
Johnston said many local organisations, including the Bangalow Lions Club and Brunswick Valley VIEW Club, organised groups to attend the event.<\/p>\n
“I thought it was fabulous \u2013 it was so well supported by our community and our members who made all the food,” she said.<\/p>\n
“There wouldn’t be anyone there who hasn’t been affected by cancer either personally or a friend \u2013 everyone has a story to tell. So, we need to keep going with research and treatments for the people who have it and the people who are going to be affected by it in the future.”<\/p>\n
Cancer Council NSW Byron Bay community lead Caitlyn Feldmann told the crowd that almost one in two Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Funds raised through the nationwide event support services such as transport to treatment, which is particularly important in regional areas where public transport options are limited.<\/p>\n
Many people in the Northern Rivers region are transported to Lismore, the Gold Coast or Brisbane for treatment, with a new vehicle added this year to help transport patients to appointments at Tweed Valley Hospital.<\/p>\n
The event featured two raffles with prizes donated by Bangalow Quilters and local businesses, including an Endota Spa voucher, a cruise aboard the MV Jasmine at Brunswick Heads, Brookfarm products, a Three Blue Ducks gift voucher, an Out of the Blue whale watching voucher, a Stone & Wood Brewery tour and Red Ginger teapots.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BANGALOW Country Women’s Association’s highest-profile member, comedian Mandy Nolan, helped the organisation raise more than $9,000 for cancer research and support programs at Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea last week. The much-loved entertainer, who acted as emcee for the event, kept a crowd of more than 200 guests laughing at Moller Pavilion in Bangalow Showground as […]<\/p>\n