Groups throughout Australia band together annually to take part in the organisation’s Biggest Morning Tea.

The Cancer Council’s support services coordinator, Mia Parsons, said the funds raised – particularly in the Illawarra – had played a huge role in supporting those diagnosed with cancer.

“The minute somebody is diagnosed, through their treatment and beyond, we are here for them every minute of every hour of every day,” she said.

Money raised from local Biggest Morning Teas – like the one hosted by the Illawarra Filipino Multicultural Women's Group today – helped fund the organisation’s information service located on level two of Wollongong Hospital, as well as free financial counselling and legal services.

The money also helped transport patients to Sydney for treatment and paid for the Cancer Council’s 131 120 information support line open.

“The information support line is available to anyone who has been affected by cancer,” Mrs Parsons said.

“Say you get a water bill and you are unsure how you can afford to pay it, if you ring 131 120 we can determine whether we can help you pay that bill. 

“We have a one-off emergency payment of up to $350 for people who are going through treatment.”

This year was the 21^st time the Illawarra Filipino Multicultural Women's Group had hosted a Biggest Morning Tea. The previous 20 events had raised more than $14,000 in total.

In the midst of National Volunteer Week, Mrs Parsons took the opportunity to praise those who took part in the Biggest Morning Teas and the 380 plus people who volunteered for the Cancer Council’s local branch.

“Everything we do is dependent on the community,” she said.

“Our organisation is 95 per cent community funded.”