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Canberra Today 12°/15° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Charity planning down to a tea

Sweet ChariTea’s organisers, from left, Vicky Kidd-Gallichan, Kartika Medcraft and Belinda Garfath… “It’s a case of local businesses helping the local community and it wouldn’t be possible without their generosity,” says Kartika. Photo by Andrew Finch
Sweet ChariTea’s organisers, from left, Vicky Kidd-Gallichan, Kartika Medcraft and Belinda Garfath… “It’s a case of local businesses helping the local community and it wouldn’t be possible without their generosity,” says Kartika. Photo by Andrew Finch
THE third annual Sweet ChariTea high-tea fundraiser is back, this year in July, with organisers aspiring to reach their $20,000 target to support pediatrics at Canberra Hospital, with a little help from local business.

Sweet ChariTea is a labour of love for business women Kartika Medcraft,

Belinda Garfath and Vicky Kidd-Gallichan. In the past two years they have

helped raise more than $30,000 through their event, which sees 250 ladies get together in their Sunday best to enjoy a frivolous high tea with a signature fashion parade, raffle, auction, photo booth, candy bar and entertainment all for a cause close to their hearts.

“I owe the lives of both of my sons to the hospital and I see Sweet ChariTea as a small way for me to give back,” says founder Kartika, owner of Swish Vintage.

The organising committee first met through a mutual work project and have blossomed into a close friendship, with each member contributing their skills and contacts.

But the key, the committee keenly explains, is the generosity of local businesses who donate goods and services, maximising every dollar that is raised.

“Seventy local businesses donate to the event from the performers, food, raffle and auction prizes, and stylists to the couture fashion show,” says Kartika.

“It’s a case of local businesses helping the local community and it wouldn’t be possible without their generosity.”

The results of the past year’s events can be seen in the shape of important medical equipment at Canberra Hospital.

In 2013, Sweet ChariTea enabled the purchase of a tympanometer – a hearing-testing machine that enables young children, who are not able to indicate directly if they can hear a sound, to be tested more accurately. Last year, Sonicaid machines were bought, which measure a baby’s heartbeat in pregnant women.

“The generosity of Sweet ChariTea means that the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art equipment can be available to our patients, which enhances important health outcomes for children treated at Canberra Hospital,” said Alexis Mohay, manager of Canberra Hospital Foundation.

“It is an amazing event – bringing women together in a positive way and focusing on helping the community.”

Sweet ChariTea 2015 will be held at The Abbey, Gold Creek, 1pm-5pm, Sunday, July 12. Tickets available via eventbrite.com.au

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