You may want to do something for charity, but are unable to
commit to a regular pattern of volunteering. Or maybe you just want
to try something as a one-off. In that case, why not host a Big
Tea, especially if you enjoy getting together with friends and
eating tea and cake (and let's face it - most of us do).
In 2010 over 3,000 people across the UK and the Republic of
Ireland got involved with The Big Tea, and raised funds to help
older people in need. The Big Tea can be any event, big or small,
that is held in aid of Independent Age. Just arrange a time and
place, invite your friends or colleagues for tea and suggest they
give a donation for the pleasure. You can be as creative or as
simple as you like. You can simply enjoy a tea for two, or a tea
break with colleagues in the office - or mix things up a bit
and hosting a Big (G and) Tea with friends!
Big Teas can be held by anybody, anywhere. We will send you a
free Big Tea pack so you will have everything you need to get
started, including recipe cards, invitations, posters, balloons, a
collection box and more. What's more it's really easy to register
for a free pack - and you won't have to fill out lots of forms or
go through a process of registering to be a volunteer. Anyone can
do a Big Tea, any time.
If you would like a Big Tea pack, download all materials here, send us an email or phone Harriet
on 020 7605 4288 and we'll send you a pack in the post.
Meet Federica, Big Tea host
Federica lives in London and has
been a supporter of Independent Age for many years, donating to the
charity and attending local events. When her youngest daughter was
in her final year at school and about to start university, Federica
decided to use some of her newly-found time to volunteer for us.
Last year she hosted a Big Tea for 14 friends, and tells us about
it.
Can you tell us what you did for the Big Tea?
I didn't have much time to organise it, so I could only ask my
very best friends. I chose those friends I thought would have
particular empathy for older people in general, because they have
elderly parents, and I thought they would understand what the
charity does.
How long did it take to organise?
Not very long, because, for various reasons, I simply didn't
leave myself a lot of time. I collected raffle prizes for the
guests: vouchers from my hairdresser and from a local salon
that gives manicures, and signed books from the Cheltenham Literary
Festival, amongst others. I also sold homemade crab apple
jelly, pesto sauce, and houmous made by my daughter to raise
funds.
I remember spending two days baking for the party. I did all the
baking myself. I did a sponge cake filled with strawberries, I did
an apple cake, I did a lime cheesecake and flapjacks, several
batches of banana and carrot cakes, and some canapés and small
sandwiches, and that's it, really!
What was your favourite part about doing it? What do you
feel you gained from putting on a Big Tea?
I invited my favourite people. That was point number one.
Second, I think I promoted Independent Age. I think the charity
does a great job, and I believe in it. It was so nice to see that
the little effort I put in was immensely rewarded by the generosity
of my friends; donations made to Independent Age exceeded my
expectations by far!
What kind of person would you recommend to do a Big
Tea?
Anybody can do it, anyone who wants to have a few friends round
and have a tea party, and have some fun at the same time.
