International students host tea party to help beat cancer

University of Queensland students from seven countries will be boiling the kettle and inviting everyone to come for a cuppa to raise money for Cancer Council Queensland on Thursday.

English language students from China, Taiwan, Mozambique, Brazil, Japan, Colombia and Saudi Arabia are hosting an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event at UQ’s Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (UQ-ICTE).

UQ-ICTE teachers David Leach and Jessica Florent said the students aimed to beat last year’s fundraising tally of $5676.

“We’re expecting about 1300 students and staff to join us on the Forgan Smith front lawn to enjoy morning tea and donate to Cancer Council Queensland,” Ms Florent.

“The students are very motivated to make the event a success and have been planning for about five weeks.

“Cancer affects everyone, no matter what language you speak, which is why I think they’re so involved.

“They’ve approached businesses and other students around campus, selling raffle tickets, asking for prize donations and inviting people to the event – all in English, their second language, which is really empowering for them.”

Ms Florent said staff and students had shared some special moments together over the years.

“One year, a student found out her mother had been diagnosed with cancer back home,” she said.

“For her to be overseas, surrounded by people working towards finding a cure, she felt really supported and touched.”

One Queenslander is diagnosed with cancer every 20 minutes – the length of an average morning tea break.

Every dollar raised enables the Cancer Council to continue investing in lifesaving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs.

This year Cancer Council Queensland celebrates 25 years of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, with more than 5000 events to be held across the state.

UQ-ICTE’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea will be held from 10am – 2pm on Thursday on the Forgan Smith front lawn at the St Lucia campus.

Media: Wendy Kovacs, UQ-ICTE, w.kovacs@uq.edu.au, 3346 6709.