Mackay’s Biggest Afternoon Tea

By Sam Gillespie

For one afternoon a year, Therese Russell and her sister Grace invite friends and supporters to the riverbanks of Dumbleton for their annual afternoon tea and cent sale.

It’s an opportunity for friends to get together for a wholesome afternoon in the outdoors while raising much needed funds for cancer research and treatment.

The sisters have been hosting the event for 21 years and Therese estimated over $30,000 has been raised in that time.

“Over the last 10 years, we’ve been donating to the McGrath Foundation because we like the idea of nurses who go out and help women who’ve had breast cancer and their families,” Therese said.

It’s become an event that people look forward to every year.

“It’s our supporters who keep us going, the people who come along, donate prizes and enjoy the afternoon, plus we like to do something for charity,” Therese said.

“We really appreciate the support we get from businesses and the individuals that come.”

Hosting this year’s event at the start of June, Therese and Grace welcomed donations from businesses and supporters for a raffle and cent sale, raising over $2,500 for the McGrath Foundation.

Therese said the sisters started hosting the morning 21 years ago after family members were affected by cancer.

“What we have to do for one afternoon a year is nothing compared to the suffering people go through with cancer treatment,” she said.

“That’s what drives me every year.

“You want your house to look nice, you want your garden to look nice and I stop and think, ‘Anybody who’s going through cancer would much rather be doing what I’m doing than go through what they’re going through.’”

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Therese and Grace

More than $2,500 was raised at the annual afternoon tea and cent sale in June. Photos supplied

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