Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Maggie’s fundraisers flip out
Pancake Day fun is just one of many kitchen table events
Visitors and volunteers at Maggie’s Lanarkshire had a flipping fabulous time as they celebrated Pancake Day – and started cooking up ideas for one of the centre’s biggest fundraising events.
More than 40 centre users and members of staff tried their hand at creating some crêpes and showing off their skills, and then enjoyed their tasty treats together around the centrepiece kitchen table at the Airdrie cancer caring centre.
It came as fundraisers at the centre in the grounds of Monklands Hospital encourage supporters to take part in the annual Maggie’s kitchen table day, hosting events of their choice in support of their busy programme of practical, financial and emotional support.
Maggie’s Lanarkshire fundraiser Heather McArthur said: “We had around 40 people there throughout the afternoon, from one of our support groups and our singing and walking groups, and there was a lot of laughter and banter!
“Lorrie Forsyth, our centre head, was making pancakes for people and visitors were encouraged to have a go too and everyone sat round the kitchen table which is the heart of the centre to enjoy them with lots of different fillings and toppings. It was a great event and everybody enjoyed having a go at trying to flip pancakes.”
Now supporters of Maggie’s Lanarkshire are being asked to gather friends and family around their kitchen tables for any kind of fundraiser, ranging from afternoon tea to a curry evening, in support of their work.
Although the charity’s annual kitchen table day takes place on March 27, the Airdrie cancer caring centre is encouraging people to arrange events at any time they choose.
Heather added: “Kitchen table days could be anything from a coffee morning to having people round for gin, and we want everyone to know that they can take place on any day throughout the year that somebody chooses.
“We’re asking people to do a variety of things and whatever would get people round the table – so you can have soup and sandwiches or even get together for pie, beans and chips.
“The kitchen table is a real focus at Maggie’s – we encourage centre users to form friendships and bonds around it and focus on feeling relaxed and comfortable, and being with others going through similar experiences.”
Fundraising packs are available for all taking part, with everyone who sends their donation before the end of April receiving a Maggie’s tea towel and the top fundraiser for the Lanarkshire centre receiving a limited-edition apron.
Centre head Lorrie Forsyth added: “Whether you host a coffee morning, bake sale or dinner party, the choices are endless – all that matters is you get friends, family or colleagues together and have fun while raising money, and we are here to help every step of the way.”
See www. maggies. org/ getinvolved/ find- event/ kitchentable-day/ for more details.