Coffee morning tips from the Joshua Tree (From Northwich Guardian)

Coffee morning tips from the Joshua Tree

1:40pm Friday 1st February 2013 in News By Gina Bebbington

CAFES in Northwich have pledged to help a Northwich charity raise a bean or two with a refreshing fundraiser.

The Joshua Tree is appealing for residents, businesses and schools to organise coffee mornings and mark International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15.

Kanya, in High Street, was the first of the town centre cafes to sign up and it will hold a Valentine’s evening dinner on February 14 in aid of the charity.

Bruschetta Cafe Bar, in Witton Street, has also agreed to support The Joshua Tree by holding a raffle on International Childhood Cancer Day itself.

Jo Pritchard, charity manager for The Joshua Tree, said: “International Childhood Cancer Day raises awareness of childhood cancer globally and promotes early recognition of symptoms to help save lives.

“Individuals, groups and companies holding an event and passing on the leaflet on early symptoms recognition raises funds for The Joshua Tree as well as increases awareness.

“Please help The Joshua Tree by holding an event in February or contacting us to see where we can work together.”

The Joshua Tree is fundraising to build a holiday home in Cheshire where children with life threatening illnesses can enjoy free short breaks with their families in a safe environment.

Both Jo and charity founder Lynda Hill know the nightmare of childhood cancer after their teenage sons, Joshua Hill and James Pritchard, were diagnosed as children.

They discovered that there were a whole host of fun activities, like going on holiday, going to the cinema and going bowling, that they could not do because of the effects of treatment on Josh and James’ immune systems.

Both the boys are now in remission but their families want to do what they can to help other families in the same situation.

To register a coffee morning and order a free event pack ring The Joshua Tree on 01606 331858, or email jo_pritchard@thejoshuatree.org.uk.

Tips for a successful coffee morning:

• Identify your key and other guests

• Try to get a date that suits you and your key guests

• Keep it simple – choose a theme and pare it down to something doable in your time. Slimming clubs could make cakes acceptable to their regime, French clubs maybe French coffees and patisserie, book clubs could read something coffee themed, like Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee.

• Add income to your event by holding a raffle, bring and buy, unwanted Christmas present ‘shwopping’, or a book or toy sale.

• Take orders for extra cakes for people who can’t make the event but don’t want to miss out on the cake.

• Invite as many people as you can personally as this makes such a difference.

• Enjoy yourself and your guests, knowing you are helping The Joshua Tree and raising awareness of childrens cancer.

• You don’t have to conform to the norm! How about coffee themed liqueurs or cocktails or anything that could be vaguely linked to coffee, where its made, who makes it or famous coffee drinkers.

• Visit britishcoffeeassociation.org for all sorts of trivia, games, jokes and articles about coffee.