‘Comfort comes from community building’: how a Macmillan Coffee Morning can help you feel more connected

It’s not just those living with cancer who benefit from the millions of pounds raised by the charity. Fundraising events can also do wonders for the people who support them

As a species, our relationship with food is pretty unique. For most animals, it’s simply a way to get nutrients. But for us, food is emotion, culture, and community. The exchange of words and the sharing of food are two fundamentally human activities with the power to quietly do the world of good. So what better way to raise money for charity than combining these two things?

A Macmillan Coffee Morning brings communities together while fundraising to support the 3m people living with cancer in the UK. The first Macmillan Coffee Morning took place in 1990, with the emphasis on getting people together in a relaxed environment to connect over food. In 2023 alone, £18m was raised – but it’s not just those who rely on Macmillan Cancer Support’s services who stand to benefit. Taking part in a Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraiser does something good for those who attend too. Those who join often share their own experiences with others, which can help them feel less lonely.