Media release September 2022. Can Assist Dunedoo provides support to keep local cancer patients’ cars on the road. The grassroots branch recently received a timely donation from greenslips.com.au that will help the branch continue to do so.
Can Assist Dunedoo provides practical and financial support to cancer patients in Dunedoo and surrounding townships, via transport costs, pharmaceutical and medical costs, utility bills – even things like lawnmowing.
“We never turn anyone back,” says Branch Secretary Julie Rowbotham. Another significant expense is accommodation in Dubbo, the big cancer centre for radiography and chemotherapy. “A lot of people from our district are going there for treatment and staying at Macquarie Homestay, and on average the bills are $1000 each. I currently have four to pay,” Julie adds.
The branch helps clients of all ages, with different types of cancer and at different stages of their cancer journey. Since January this year, they’ve had 14 new patients.
“But layered behind that are so many ongoing requests for assistance,” Julie says. “The number has risen and, on average, I’m getting two a week from our community nurse.” Julie says the greenslips.com.au donation will have a significant impact.
“It’s absolutely wonderful, because a lot of our clients are not in a healthy financial position. Our community nurse said to me that this would keep their cars on the road, and she mentioned several recipients who will benefit. The donation is the icing on the cake.”
Julie says it’s crucial for locals to have their own cars to get around.
“The distances are so great,” she says. “Driving to Dubbo is a 180km return journey, and there’s only one community car that covers a vast area, so it’s not always available. Thus, it’s vital for people to have their car in good order and on the road. This money is just amazing for the community, and to let them know that greenslips.com.au provides a comparison of prices and identifies the cheapest price for your green slip is great. This will go far and wide, because the cost of everything is increasing, and the cost of putting the car on the road is high.”
Greater awareness needed
Julie says that greater awareness of the support that Can Assist Dunedoo provides is needed.
“We just want to make people aware we are here for them if they need assistance during a cancer diagnosis. We also need our community to support us, because the money goes directly back into our community cancer patients. Supporting Can Assist is vital to country NSW,” she says. “Can Assist Dunedoo is operated by local volunteers assisting local families. We know the toll cancer takes on the local community.”
Julie began volunteering with Can Assist Dunedoo 13 years ago, after a friend who belonged to the Mudgee branch asked her. Julie has had personal experience with cancer; her sister Margaret was going through chemo at the time, and five months ago was diagnosed with Grade 4 cancer. Julie, herself, has recently had a positive result from the bowel cancer kit test and is waiting to get a colonoscopy. “But onwards and upwards,” she adds.
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, which has partnered with Can Assist for three years.
“We are humbled to be working with Can Assist,” says Stephen Treacey, founder and owner of greenslips.com.au. “Time and time again I’ve seen just how important it is for a cancer patient in country NSW to have their own vehicle to travel to and from 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.”
To seek assistance from Can Assist Dunedoo, or for more information about donating or volunteering, please contact Julie at Can Assist on 0408 248 034. 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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