I’m all for supporting good causes; cancer research, children’s hospitals, mental health, you name it, I’ve been there and continue to do so. But somewhere along the way, some people decided the best way to raise money was to run.
“Let’s organize a 5K!” they shout.
“Why stop there? MARATHON!” someone else chimes in, while lacing up trainers that cost more than my car.
Meanwhile, I’m over here thinking: you know what doesn’t require anti-chafing gel or months of “training plans”? Eating cake!
Coffee mornings are the unsung heroes of the charity world. They’re wholesome, they smell like baked goods, and you don’t have to risk of either having to ring your bestie to come and pick you out of a ditch or collapsing dramatically at the finish line.
Instead of waking up at 6 a.m. to pin a number to your chest, you roll out of bed at a respectable hour and show up to a table groaning under the weight of brownies, lemon drizzle cake, and about three varieties of banana bread (because everyone has overripe bananas).
And the best part? Every crumb eaten is a selfless act of charity.
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Another scone? Of course, it’s for the animal rescue.
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A second helping of Coffee & Walnut sponge? How could I not? Research needs us.
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Fancy buying the remaining bakewell slices? I’m practically a philanthropist.
Let’s be honest, running is pain; no one looks genuinely happy halfway through a charity race. Sure, the finish line photos show sweaty smiles, but zoom in and you’ll see the existential dread in their eyes. Running also means anyone with a medical condition can;t take part… 🙁
Meanwhile, at a coffee morning, the only real risk is fighting over the last jam tart or accidentally inhaling a cloud of icing sugar. No pulled muscles. No nipple chafing. Just pure, icing-covered generosity.
Fundraising should bring people together over shared laughter, not blisters and pulled ligaments. So next time someone suggests a charity run, Im just going to smile sweetly and say:
“Or what if we just had cake and a natter?
Because in the end, whether you’re running a marathon or slicing a victoria sponge, the goal is the same: raising money for a cause that matters.
Cake just happens to taste a whole lot better and we won’t have to worry about the weather either!
Photo by Alisa Anton
