Volunteers dish out more than 700 sandwiches

Launceston Friends of Clifford Craig volunteers Sue Harman, Christine Farrell and Vicki Beresford.

July 29, 2022

The fundraising finesse of the Launceston Friends of Clifford Craig was put to the test on Thursday as they served up a feast of home-made soup and sandwiches in support of the Launceston General Hospital.

Now in its 12th year, a capacity crowd of 130 people attended the Friends’ annual Soup and Sandwich Luncheon at Kings Meadows Bowls Club. 

A volunteer group that raises about $30,000 a year in support of the Foundation’s medical research program at the LGH, the Friends prepared more than 700 sandwiches, 7 boilers of soup, several slices and countless cups of tea and coffee for the event.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr John Batten AM – the newly elected Chairman of the Clifford Craig Foundation and only the third person to fill the role.

A retired orthopaedic surgeon, John spent more than three decades at the LGH and as a lecturer at the University of Tasmania.

In 2020 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to orthopaedic medicine and to various professional bodies.

Since the first Soup and Sandwich luncheon in 2010 (minus a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19), it’s estimated the Friends have prepared more than 5000 sandwiches, close to 70 boilers of soup and 200 cups of coffee and tea – raising more than $35,000.

The Friends group meets monthly to plan their activities, and are always keen to attract new members to their ranks.

If you are interested in becoming a ‘Friend‘, or if you would like to know more, please contact the Clifford Craig office on (03) 6777 6010.