HELEN Kelava hopes to use her new status as Hawkesbury Local Woman of the Year as a platform to encourage everyone to help her "bake" a difference.
"Now hopefully that I've got this award people might sponsor me with cupcake cases, sugar and flour," Mrs Kelava said.
The Women of the Year Awards recognises the outstanding contributions of NSW women and celebrates their achievements.
Mrs Keleva, of Kenthurst, received hers for the charity work she does for the Cancer Council.
"I was led to believe I was going to a breast cancer charity morning tea"
In 2½ years she has raised nearly $8000 for the national cancer control organisation by baking cakes and holding jelly bean guessing competitions.
"I've done two Daffodil Days and one Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at work," said Mrs Kelava, who is a pharmacist at Soul Pattinson Chemist, Rouse Hill, where she has worked for 11 years and which she co-owns.
"I've had friends who are affected by cancer ... one passed away."
Mrs Kelava was presented with her award by Hawkesbury MP Ray Williams at a special morning tea ceremony at Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott's electorate office — and no one was more surprised than her.
"I was led to believe I was going to a breast cancer charity morning tea," she said.
‘‘Then, when I got there, I was a bit surprised to see my dad standing there. I had no idea.’’
Mr Elliott presented Hills SES controller Evelyn Lester, of Kellyville, with the Baulkham Hills Local Women of the Year Award at the same ceremony.
■ Sponsor Mrs Kelava: 9629 4079.
■ Attend her next Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: Thursday, May 28, from 10am, Shop 8 Rouse Hill Shopping Road, Rouse Hill.