VOLUNTEERS helping at a charity refreshment kiosk are raising their tea cups, with little pinky extended, to celebrate an impressive fundraising milestone.
This year, the hut, based in Caversham Court Gardens, has raised £2,614.34 for the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
The helpers bake cakes, brew tea, and chat with customers one weekend a month between March and October, with the final month raising £640 over the weekend.
They have been led by Sue Jones, who is stepping down from her role after 10 years. A search is now on to find a successor.
Ms Jones said she was first drawn to raise funds for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice when her husband received end-of-life care at the hospice, and she wanted to do something in his memory.
“The hospice staff looked after my husband so well during his stay, and I wanted to find a way to show my thanks for their care and support,” she said.
“I joined the kiosk after he died and took over its running 10 years ago now.
“It has been a wonderful role to take on, and so fulfilling. The gardens are so peaceful, and when the weather is good it’s nice to watch whatever goes past on the river.”
She added: “A huge number of friends, family and volunteers give up their time to bake each month, with some even providing two or three cakes for the day. Most of the volunteers who give up their time to bake and sell the cakes have lost a family member or close friend in the hospice, so there is a real sense of care and love for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.”
As for the most popular cakes sold at the kiosk, Ms Jones said: “I made a lemon cake for the first time which seemed to go really quickly, while apple cakes always go down well.
“Other favourites remain coffee and walnut, chocolate, and the ever-loved Victoria sponge cake.”
The team are keen to find someone who can manage the kiosk, organise the bakers and ensure there are volunteers to sell the cakes and drinks.
Hannah Richards, community fundraising manager for Sue Ryder in the Thames Valley, said: “We are so grateful to Sue and her team for their unwavering dedication over the years, and the huge donations that they have brought to Sue Ryder.
“In the past eight years they have raised almost £22,000, allowing our care teams to carry out their vital work and support those at the end of their lives.
“We are so reliant on donations, and continuous fundraisers like these mean so much to the hospice.”
For more details, or to help, log on to: www.sueryder.org/volunteer or email: dokh.fundraising@sueryder.org
