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How to host a virtual coffee morning for Breast Cancer Haven

We may be living through an uncertain time right now with many of our usual day to day activities paused during lockdown, however it is vital that some things are ongoing. That's why here at Dualit, we are asking our wonderful customers to help support our chosen charity, Breast Cancer Haven, who need your help now more than ever.

How to host a virtual coffee morning for Breast Cancer Haven

Supporting charities during the pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affects each and every one of us in some way or another and for those with breast cancer, it is a particularly worrying and stressful time. As delays have begun to cancer treatments, it is crucial that Breast Cancer Haven remains accessible to current visitors and those who are newly diagnosed. This national charity is committed to providing support to anyone who needs it and has adapted its programme to give vital care and support virtually and over the phone, as well as providing online classes and support groups. And so, while its centre doors may be temporarily closed, we'd like to encourage you to help this wonderful, essential charity by hosting your own virtual coffee morning at home to raise much-needed funds. The charity doesn't receive any government support and is entirely reliant on the generous help from its donors. So have some fun with family and friends, reconnect with loved ones and raise some money for this incredibly important service.

So how do you go about hosting a virtual coffee morning?

Well, the first thing to do is to set a time and date and make a list of all the family and friends, plus friends of friends, who you'd like to invite. Next, you'll need to download one of the web-based video conferencing or face-to-face social networking apps such as Zoom, Houseparty or Skype onto your phone, tablet, computer or laptop. You can also use Facebook Messenger too. A larger screen is usually best as you can see more friendly faces, so try to use a computer or laptop where you can. Any of these apps are easy to use, free to download and will enable you to host a group video chat in no time. You can send out invites either via the app of your choice or by email, letting guests know the time and date to join in. Maybe choose a theme such as a colour or make it an afternoon tea and ask everyone to dress up. Let them know it's to raise funds for Breast Cancer Haven and ask them to donate via the link on the charity's website, www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk

How do you prepare for your virtual coffee morning?

Start by making some tasty treats for you to enjoy at home while video chatting, and why not send some recipe ideas to your guests in advance too, so everyone can have a go at baking their favourite. We have some fantastic recipes on our blog such as Vanilla Fairy Cakes, Jewelled Biscuits, Gingerbread Men, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vegan Flapjack, Marmalade Loaf and Easy Banana Bread. In addition we have a range of coffee machines if you want to invest in a professional piece of kit and you can also buy Dualit coffee capsules and coffee pods too.

How to go one step further..

As well as chatting and catching up with everyone's news, you could have a go at hosting your very own virtual quiz. Perhaps ask everyone who wishes to enter to make an additional donation to Breast Cancer Haven and offer a small, postable prize for the winner. Even if it's just something small like a tin of biscuits, box of chocolates or some coffee, it all adds to the fun. There are plenty of quiz questions available online that you can download and you can choose your own topics that you think everyone will enjoy.

Try something new to stay in touch

Hosting a virtual coffee morning may sound a little strange at first but as well as raising funds for Breast Cancer Haven, it's also a fantastic way to stay in touch with family and friends during the current lockdown, as well as catching up with those who live far away or who can't make it out of the house; friends and family who you don't get to see so often. And you never know, you could even make it a regular event with everyone taking their turn to host.

Another way that you can support this wonderful charity is to buy the Dualit Breast Cancer Haven Toaster. A pretty Petal Pink design, this four-slot toaster costs £195 and for every model sold through our Dualit website, £20 will be donated to Breast Cancer Haven. It looks great on the worktop and will add instant cheer to the kitchen.

We hope we've inspired you to get creative, catch up with family and friends and raise much-needed funds for Breast Cancer Haven at the same time. It's a wonderfully fun way of staying in touch during this uncertain time and is sure to lift everyone's spirits.

If you, or anyone you know has been affected by breast cancer please call Breast Cancer Haven on 0300 012 0112 or visit www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk for information or to donate to its urgent fundraising appeal.

Dualit Breast Cancer Haven Toaster

Dualit donates £20.00 from every sale of the Petal Pink Classic Toaster to Breast Cancer Haven