Media release July 2022. For cancer support network Can Assist Temora, providing support to keep local cancer patients’ cars on the road is vital. Distances travelled from Temora to access treatment are long. The branch recently received a timely donation from greenslips.com.au to continue this valuable work.
“It’s wonderful knowing a company like greenslips.com.au is supporting us, a small country town,” says Lynn Hegarty, who has been an executive member of Can Assist Temora since 2009. “We certainly have clients who will benefit from this assistance to pay for their green slips. Just knowing they have this financial help means they can focus on other things.”
Can Assist Temora helps clients of all ages, with different types of cancer and at different stages of their cancer journey.
“Our youngest client was four, the oldest in their 90s,” explains Lynn. “So far this year we have five new clients but we also have ongoing clients we’re assisting. The number varies constantly. Unfortunately, low numbers do not mean that cancer rates are dropping, but can also mean that people are not seeking support, because of pride or shyness or the belief they won’t be accepted. But Can Assist is for anybody who has cancer, regardless of how much money they have, the type of cancer, the stage of their cancer journey. We’re here to assist anyone with cancer.”
The branch provides practical and financial support to cancer patients in Temora and surrounding townships. Travel expenses such as fuel vouchers and accommodation are among the largest expenses Can Assist Temora helps with. They also assist with pharmacy costs, cancer medication and scans, utilities, groceries and, in exceptional circumstances, car and house payments.
“We’ve done a bit of everything including mowing the lawn, clearing the mice away during the mice plague, getting loads of wood for patients’ wood fires,” says Lynn. Lynn says it’s crucial for locals to have their own cars to get around.
“Most people rely on their own vehicles to get to treatment. Being in the country, we don’t have access to public transport, and the bus to Wagga Wagga only goes once a week. Most patients have to travel to Wagga for treatment but it depends on the type of cancer. Melanoma, for example, might mean they have to travel to Sydney for treatment for five weeks. We also have clients who go to Canberra, Melbourne, Albury, Griffith and Young,” she says.
What sets Can Assist apart
What sets Can Assist apart from other charities is that all money raised locally stays in the area to help local cancer patients across the district. The branch is funded entirely by local donations, fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au, a CTP green slip insurance price comparison and information website.
“Their donation is a very welcomed addition to our assistance,” Lynn adds.
Each year Can Assist Temora holds a fashion parade to raise money for the branch, and they also benefit from initiatives like Butts 4 Bucks (wool sale), Regency Ramblers (hot rod enthusiasts’ weekend and fundraiser for Can Assist), and Bikers for Boobs (breast cancer) held in October. The branch is also supported by local services and sporting clubs.
“Our town is fantastic for getting behind Can Assist and making donations; they know it all stays local and that everyone who works for Can Assist is a volunteer. Getting through cancer without Can Assist would be so much harder for many people,” says Lynn.
Stephen Treacey, founder and owner of greenslips.com.au adds:
“We’ve been partnering with Can Assist for 3 years now, and I’ve seen time and time again how important it is for someone in rural and regional NSW to have a vehicle to travel to treatment. We’re proud to support Can Assist’s country NSW patients with the cost of their green slip. Can Assist’s powerhouse of volunteers and unique fundraising model, with all money raised locally staying local, ensures donations make a tangible impact with those who need it most. Can Assist provides both practical and emotional support at a time when people need it.”
New volunteers needed
Volunteers are the backbone of Can Assist Temora and Lynn says the branch is looking for new members, particularly younger members who can join the branch, “gain an understanding of how the branch operates” and down the track be prepared to take on an executive position.
“We’re looking for people with new ideas in fundraising that will benefit Can Assist and enjoyment to the community. We love to give back to the community at the same time,” she says.
Lynn was inspired to volunteer with Can Assist when her neighbour was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at just 50.
“Little did I know I would have breast cancer 6 years later and, while I didn’t need Can Assist’s support, I joined the branch in 2007 after my treatment. We need to get younger people interested but like with most things, you don’t think about these organisations until you’re a little older,” she says.
Can Assist Temora is also trying to get a forum together to learn more about the cost of cancer, treatments available and the help that’s available.
“Some people just don’t know where to go; they can’t see how it will all ‘slot in’ and how they’ll get to and through their treatment. All they see is that word ‘cancer’. It’s so worthwhile when someone speaks to you and helps you navigate the rollercoaster,” Lynn says.
For information about donating or volunteering with Can Assist Temora, contact 0429 774 966. For further information about how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au.
About Can Assist
Since 1955, Can Assist has been helping people living in rural and regional NSW access cancer treatment and care. The community-based grassroots organisation is funded entirely by community fundraising events, donations and corporate sponsorships. With 55 branches and around 3000 volunteers, it is the largest cancer support network in rural, regional and remote NSW.
Can Assist provides financial assistance for accommodation, travel-related costs, pharmaceuticals and other expenses to individuals and families across NSW, who are affected by cancer. Can Assist provides up to $2.5 million in financial aid, and approximately 50% of this aid is for travel and accommodation.
As well as fundraising activities, member volunteers raise awareness of the organisation. They collaborate with health professionals to understand how they can ease the burden of cancer. With Can Assist, 100% of funds raised local is spent in that community. Can Assist also funds Lilier Lodge, a purpose-built accommodation facility in Wagga Wagga it co-owns with Cancer Council NSW, which assists over 1,400 people each year.
We Can Assist.
About greenslips.com.au
Established in 2001, greenslips.com.au is a price comparison and information service for CTP green slip insurance. It does not sell CTP green slip insurance but rather is the authority helping people compare green slips.
greenslips.com.au is a partner of Can Assist and since 2019 has supported Can Assist head office and over 40 branches across NSW. greenslips.com.au has committed to providing further support.
For further information:
Lisa Llewellyn: 0419 401 362 or lisa@llewcom.com.au
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