Northumberland's Biggest Coffee Morning

Wednesday,
June 6, 2012

For more information

Call 905-372-6811
Ext 3068

PLEASE JOIN US IN THIS EASY, SOCIABLE WAY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE HOSPITAL, AND FOR ALL THOSE WHO USE ITS SERVICES. THANK YOU.

How it Began

A Message from the Founder

Who would have thought sixteen women would have such fun organizing and raising an incredible $94,000 on June 19th, 2007! None were more surprised at the result than all of us. It just goes to show the people of Northumberland County love to get together for coffee, friendship and generously support their new Hospital.

Many of the hosts took the idea of a coffee morning further and created some unique ways of participating:

The chocolate fountain at M.P.P. Lou Rinaldi’s office was a big hit
at Linda Essak’s home an early morning drive-through idea was fabulous and ensured she was not late for work that day
Cathy Galt’s Virtual Reality party (where friends who were too busy to meet, contributed but had their coffee at 10 a.m. wherever they happened to be);
the Yacht Club where more than 100 coffee lovers met – hosted by Bert MacMillan and Jackie Hick
Port Hope’s Council met for an evening barbeque, thanks to Karen O’Hara
Northshore Lanes Bowling teams and management made an early donation on their last bowling games of the season
RBC Dominion Securities hosted lunch for clients and friends alike at Just Judy’s.
“The Senate” commandeered The Dutch Oven with cookies and coffee.

The garden parties

Far too many to list but somewhere in the County, guests enjoyed wandering through a garden with peonies in bloom; another brought “all Colborne Club members” together after Wayne weeded the garden the day before; several resulted in many rural neighbours meeting for the first time; another was just winding down when a summer shower started. Friends of June’s in Scarborough met in a garden overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs, to remember her.

The indoor house parties

No matter if they were large or small, they played such an important part in the final total. Many have said they would love to do it again.

The schools

the Castleton school where the kindergarten children dropped their small coins into a jar as did the students of Terry Fox School
St. Mary’s also took part even though it was exam time
Notre Dame Catholic Elementary – lunch for the staff
Merwin Greer Public School – lunch for the staff

The Churches and Clubs

Many willing hands helped at churches in Port Hope, Cobourg, Baltimore and Grafton as was the case at various clubs in all these locations.

Services, Cafes and Restaurants

Appreciation to The Cobourg Library, Lakefront Utilities and the County of Northumberland and all others who participated and put our posters up in their stores or offices.

Further afield

Tremendous support from the residents, clubs, and many businesses in Roseneath and Alderville area, thanks to Marie and George Chisholm

Tremendous support, also, from residents and businesses in Campbellford, thanks to Wendy Thorn.

and more…..

Thanks, also, to those locally who independently sent a donation and those from outside Northumberland County, namely, Western Canada, England and the Virgin Islands, and heartfelt thanks for a major donation from a client of RBC Dominion Securities.

So much appreciation goes, too, to our Sponsors (RBC Dominion Securities, the former GE Plastics, Tim Hortons, Cobourg Internet and Bright Ideas), and all the cafes, shops and dealerships who joined in the spirit of this wonderful occasion, on a beautiful, warm, sunny day.

For me, there will never be a better group of women to work with on a Committee than those in the photo below. So much talent, energy, willingness throughout the preparation time, and organizing their own coffee party. Thank you all.

Almost last, but not least, Warren Harvey and his family gladly organized a coffee party and had a house full of people throughout the morning. The final total such a tribute to his wife, June.

Last, all of us thank everyone who participated, especially the hosts, and particular thanks to the three Johns – John Russell, John Draper and Jon Broderick.

We send our best wishes to the new committee – have a wonderful time planning the second NORTHUMBERLAND’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING!

Alma Draper

At right: 2007 Committee

2007 - How it Began
For more than two years the idea for NORTHUMBERLAND'S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING bubbled away in my mind. When June Harvey passed away in November 2006, it was the push needed to suggest this fundraising event for the Northumberland Hills Hospital.

June was a well liked, dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a tireless worker as a volunteer which included being President, driver and fundraiser for Community Care; President of our local Probus Club, member of the Victoria Hall Volunteers, and supporting friends and family in whatever venture they told her about. Her ever present sense of humour, high spirits, boundless energy and infectious laugh, made a person enjoyable to be with.

In February 2007, June was posthumously awarded the Lloyd C. Stinson Memorial Award, for her never-ending commitment to helping organizations within the community.

The last few weeks of June's life were spent in Palliative Care at Northumberland Hills Hospital. Her whole family marveled at the excellent care and facilities afforded those who stay in that unit.

The comforting and homely atmosphere also made for a less stressful place for family and visitors alike. With the announcement that an MRI machine will be coming to the hospital in 2007, it was decided for 2007 that all funds raised would go towards its purchase.

The month of June seemed a very pleasant time of year to hold a coffee morning and as June was born on the 19th, that date was chosen for the first year. Whether you hold your event indoors or outdoors, morning or afternoon, ENJOY YOUR COFFEE!