Mother’s Day Celebration High Tea Fundraiser 2026
On Sunday 3rd May 2026, 180 guests attended the Exhibition Hall at John XXIII College, Mount Claremont, to celebrate the mothers, friends, and family in their lives. The afternoon high tea was a fantastic celebration and raised over $25,000 for young mothers and women living in disadvantage in India.
We would like to thank our guests for attending and helping us raise vital funds for our programmes in India. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of young mothers experiencing disadvantage. CINI Australia works to create positive change for individuals and their wider communities. Dr Jennifer Connaughton, Board Member and Co-Founder of CINI Australia, shared stories of the courageous women supported by the organisation following her recent visit to India.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with the room beautifully styled in shades of yellow, orange, and red, adorned with fresh flowers. The food was plentiful, homemade, and delicious.
The Raffle, Live Auction, Silent Auction, Reading Roulette, and Lucky Sip were all enjoyed by guests. Many local businesses and individuals donated a huge array of prizes and vouchers, including contributions from our local grocery stores for the high tea.
The Live Auction featured many prizes, one of which included two bags of darjeeling tea, straight from India, and a handmade tote bag made by Sneha, a girl who can now generate her own income with thanks to IICCHAA programme. Girls like Sneha are given the skills to support themselves, make money from their community, and grow their business into the future. The bag represents the support of our donors, and the long-lasting change your generosity make for girls like Sneha.
Guests enjoyed a performance by “Oz Duo” Jona Patitò and Malcolm Perris. Jona is a principal mandolinist and award-winning ensemble musician, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Italian and Sicilian music. Malcolm, a classical guitarist, combines astounding technique and command of the instrument with a brilliant sense of melody and harmony. They performed three songs: ‘Libertango by Piazzolla’, ‘Tarantella by Calace’ and ‘Santa Lucia by Guido Tournelle’.
Thank you to our supporters and volunteers
Dr Connaughton would like to personally thank the many individuals who came together to make the day such a success.
“A huge thanks for all the hard work, good energy, teamwork and generosity of our volunteers, who put so much time and passion into making Mother’s Day a success. You are a spectacular team!”
Weeks before the event, our volunteer cooks were busy organising the menu and preparing their best recipes for the day. The menu included veggie puffs and pinwheels, hara bhara kababs, goats cheese & beetroot relish blinis, watermelon, mint & feta skewers, banana and vanilla cupcakes, Santiago cake slice, raspberry bliss balls, macadamia honey tarts and date slices.
Everyone went home with a handmade Ladoo, lovingly prepared by Gurpreet and Amarjeet, and gift wrapped by Raj, Amar, Ravinder and Parminder. (above)
We would like to say a special thank you to the individuals and organisations who donated a prize, gift voucher, item or artwork to assist with our fundraising efforts. Our event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our fantastic W.A. community.
Special Thanks: Air Bare, Anna Chandler, AQWA, Banovich Pharmacy, Boatshed Market, Clairault Streicker, Colaba Social, Coles Hilton, Copper Chimney, Dan Murphy’s, Easy Peasy by Silke Zander, Eco Spray Car Wash Café, ESOLA, Fox in a Box, Fremantle Chamber Orchestra, Fremantle Prison, Hemz Jewels, High Tea with Harriet, Howard Park, InStyle, Lakshmi Ayurveda, Lisa O’Malley MLA, Masstengo, Moonfox Games, Ms Kate Doust MLC, Musica Viva Australia, Naked Coffee Roasters, OlioBello, Prime Products Indian Grocer, Puca Candles, Saroor, Silver Sponge, Sin Gin Distillery, St John’s Ambulance, Tamara Yoga, Terrace Greenhouse, The Anjlems Project, The Momo’s & More, WASO, Woolworths Palmyra,YogaLab.
Artists: Meg Jeffes, Di Parson, Liz Sandes, Lesley Tunnecliffe.
Regular Supporters: John XXIII College, IGA Swanbourne Market, Naturally Fresh IGA South Fremantle, Boatshed Market Cottesloe, Officeworks Subiaco and Osborne Park.
Student Volunteers: John XXIII College, IONA & PLC, John Curtin College of the Arts.
It’s not too late to donate!
If you were unable to attend the event, but would like to make a donation towards our Mother’s Day Appeal, please visit our GiveNow page to make a contribution.
We want to see every child achieve their rights to play, safety, health, education, a clean environment and a bright future. This begins with a strong start in life. Our Sponsor a Mother program is a fine example of the depth and breadth of CINI’s programs, and is one way that your support can change the lives of individuals in need in India.
Since 1974, Child in Need Institute’s work has had a powerful impact in some of India’s most disadvantaged areas, helping families and entire communities break free from the inter-generational cycle of poverty.
Thank You
