CEO of Hartley, Eric Thauvette, has brought back the beloved Hartley Lifecare High Tea and fashion parade to raise funds for the One Million Harts Campaign. Photo: Kerrie Brewer.

Proving that charity is best served with a cuppa, the Hartley Lifecare High Tea and fashion parade is returning on Sunday 18 July from 2pm until 5pm, to raise much needed funds for the One Million Harts Campaign.

Canberrans are invited to enjoy an afternoon of high tea in a leisurely fashion while dressed in this year’s Posh Op Shop theme, celebrating the best and fanciest in pre-loved clothing and costumes.

Corey Ryan, Hartley Senior Manager Finance & Communications, said the event was fast becoming one of Canberra’s annual feel-good events before the pandemic hit last year.

“It is important we aim to reinvigorate that momentum through this year’s event with the help and support of the local Canberra community,” he said.

When the One Million Harts campaign was announced in March, CEO of Hartley, Eric Thauvette, said the charity took a significant hit during COVID as they were forced to stop their major fundraising events such as the High Tea, creating a critical missed fundraising opportunity for the organisation.

Home to 10 residents, Hartley Court was one of the first supported independent living communities managed by Hartley Lifecare and has been the foundation of essential residential and respite services since the mid-1980s.

Running until the end of the year, the One Million Harts Campaign is asking locals to share their love and generosity by contributing to the build of Hartley Court through a donation of their choice or by purchasing a ‘hart’.

To help raise funds, the Hartley Lifecare High Tea will feature a fashion parade with clients taking centre stage alongside professionals from Victoria Models, while an elegant designer headpiece by Christine Waring is up for grabs for the best ‘Posh Op Shop’ outfit.

Hartley will be catering for the event with a delicious assortment of sweet and savoury finger food, and a complimentary drink on arrival.

Raffle tickets will also be on sale with the winner walking away with four tickets to the Quodos Bank Arena Corporate Suite for the Bat Out of Hell Musical Tour in Sydney.

Hartley has also announced the return of the Hartley Cycle Challenge, taking place on 26-28 November and the Hartley Kokoda Trek, a nine-day adventure across the famous Kokoda Trail scheduled for March 2022.

For those unable to attend the High Tea or any Hartley events in the series, you can still be ‘one in a million’ by purchasing a Hart for Hartley or by donating to give people living with a disability the opportunity to live their best life. Purchase your Hart at: hartley.org.au/event/one-million-harts/home

Hartley High Tea will be held on Sunday 18 July, 2pm-5pm.

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