Leeds-based national supermarket chain, Asda, teamed up with the Leeds Rhinos and charity arm Leeds Rugby Foundation to help launch this year’s Breast Cancer Care Strawberry Tea campaign – and hopes that people across Yorkshire will host their own ‘Strawberry Tea Party’ to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
Asda, which is headquartered at Great Wilson Street in Leeds, teamed up with local super league team and CEO Gary Hetherington to host a special Strawberry Tea Party at the club’s Headingley Stadium, with club staff and local Asda colleagues to kick-off the campaign.
Dozens of Asda stores across the company’s Yorkshire heartland will now, for the first time, join Breast Cancer Care’s annual summer fundraiser, Strawberry Tea, which starts next week.
The campaign was also backed by Leeds Rugby Foundation delivers projects in the heart of the community by harnessing the power of sport to make a lasting, positive impact on individuals' lives, with the tea attended by members of the Rhinos Active Social Group, over 55’s who meet on regular basis.
Launched in 1998, Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea encourages friends, colleagues and families to hold a #StrawberryTea event in their homes, work or community to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
From 4th – 18th June each of the participating Asda stores will host a #StrawberryTea stall with activities for customers to get involved, including cupcake decorating and a teapot lucky dip. There will also be information on how the public can join in and host their own #StrawberryTea, as well as background about the charity and the much needed services it provides.
All money raised will help Breast Cancer Care provide support for women, men, family and friends affected by breast cancer.
Clair Hufton, from Asda House, explains:
“We are delighted to support with Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea campaign! The money raised through Strawberry Teas makes a real difference to people affected by breast cancer.
“Our colleagues and customers across Yorkshire have always been incredibly supportive of our fundraising activities and I know this time will be no different.
“From the League to the supermarket, it’s fantastic that in our home city, we’re able to join forces to support a great cause, the Leeds Rhinos hosted the first ever Strawberry Tea Party for Asda, before the campaign kicks-off across the country.”
Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington, said:
“I’m supporting Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea campaign because I think it is a wonderful way to raise money for such a worthy cause with your nearest and dearest.
“We had a great morning and I was delighted to host the launch with Asda and our Rhinos Social Active Group.”
Hannah Branch, community fundraising manager at Breast Cancer Care, said “We’re delighted Asda colleagues, customers and Leeds Rhinos are supporting Breast Cancer Care and Strawberry Tea this summer.
“We’d love more people to gather friends and family to host their own afternoon tea. The funds raised through each and every Strawberry Tea enable Breast Cancer Care to continue to be there for anyone facing breast cancer, from day one.”
Breast Cancer Care is the only UK wide charity providing support for anyone affected by breast cancer.
To sign up for a free Breast Cancer Care Strawberry Tea fundraising kit visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/cuppa or visit your local Asda store from 4th – 18th June for more information and to take part in #StrawberryTea fundraising activities.