A Mad Hatter Tea Party: CancerCare Manitoba looking for teacup donations for annual fundraiser

Wonderland is coming to Winnipeg, and CancerCare Manitoba is looking for 500 teacups for a “Mad Hatter” tea party fundraiser.

Donations are trickling in, including a box from Pat Russell, who stopped by Monday.

“I am donating a few teacups that I have acquired from possibly a great grandmother, grandmother, mother, and my mother in law, and decided it’s time to let go of them,” explained Russell.

Pat Russell, donated teacups to CancerCare Manitoba. (Photo Credit: Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

She says she’s much happier donating the teacups to CancerCare, knowing they’ll be used for a good cause.

Carole Vivier is the chair of of the Guardian Angel Benefit committee.

“People are on this journey and there’s some serious days, obviously for people. But this is one day to go out, have fun and forget what’s going on in your life,” said Vivier.

CancerCare’s annual fundraiser for women affected by cancer in the province.

“I was diagnosed in October of 2020. I retired in the summer of 2019 so I felt like the cliché. The person that worked this entire career and then you retire and you get this diagnosis,” said Vivier.

Carole Vivier, Chair of the Guardian Angel Benefit planning committee. (Photo Credit: Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

Vivier says being part of the CancerCare organization is a way to return the support she’s received.

“For me it’s personal. I want to give back. I want to help raise more money for people coming behind me. And people that are on this journey. You know, I’m part of a cancer group and our joke is we just need to stay alive long enough for that new drug to be available. But it’s true.”

Vivier says she’s looking forward connecting with people at the fundraiser, and seeing all the teacups that will decorate the convention centre on October 1.

“The theme of the Mad Hatter, it’s just whimsical and it’s uplifting and it’s fun. We just want people to have fun,” said Vivier.

Donations can be made until Wednesday at the Foundation’s events office at 825 Sherbrook.