Big C’s Virtual Big Cuppa for 2021 early next month will be a very different to previous years – but promises to be a fun community event, nonetheless. Head of Fundraising Carole Slaughter says that, despite the difficulties the charity faced last year, there’s still much more to look forward to this year
We all know how difficult last year was. And, not least, for the charity sector. Big C, the Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity, was hardly immune, with a sharp drop in income due to shops being closed and fundraising events cancelled.
Yet, at the same time, as Head of Fundraising, Carole Slaughter, says: ‘We saw increasing demand for our help and needed to invest in moving our support services online and over the telephone.
‘At Big C, however, we are passionate about helping local people affected by cancer and we are looking forward optimistically to 2021.
Firstly, the charity is asking local people to host a virtual Big Cuppa coffee morning or tea party with friends, family or colleagues to raise money for those in our community affected by cancer. The event will be held on World Cancer Day, which is Thursday February 4.
Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C says: ‘The flavour of our Big Cuppa 2021 will be in striking contrast to last year’s event which was held just before news of coronavirus first began to emerge. Last year we had places like Virgin Money Lounge, the hospital, our Big C shops and our centres hosting in-person Big Cuppa events. This year of course, things need to be very different, but we are hoping lots of local people will still take part and host a Big Cuppa in the safety of our own homes.
He adds: ‘We’ve seen some great virtual dinner parties taking place since lockdown 3 was announced and we’d like to take that one step further with a fantastic virtual community event, all in a very good cause.’
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Big C moved swiftly to transfer all support services online and over the telephone, to ensure ongoing vital support for those facing cancer and their families.
Carole again. ‘Our Executive Team and Board of Trustees have continued to plan strategically to ensure the development of our services can continue and that the charity grows.
‘These are challenging times for the charitable sector and we would be very appreciative to anyone who decides to hold a virtual Big Cuppa for us this year. Every donation really does make a difference to the work we do in supporting those that need us.
And there’s more to look forward to, as she adds: ‘We have a number of fundraising events planned, in addition to Big Cuppa, including the Blickling Half Marathon in March and Hadrian’s Wall Challenge in April. We are also very much looking forward to the opening of our new state of the art Norwich cancer support centre in Dereham Road, which is due to open later in 2021.’
It’s easy to sign up to host a Big Cuppa. Simply set up your video call, grab your favourite mug and enjoy a natter. Ask those taking part to donate to Big C online or donate £5 via text, to 70970. Please visit https://fundraise.big-c.co.uk/event/big-cuppa-for-world-cancer-day/for more information and to let Big C know you are taking part. www.big-c.co.uk
Leave a Reply