Can Assist Tumut celebrating 40 year anniversary
Current members of the Tumut Can Assist group met at the
Riverside Café recently and took this photo.
Tumut Can Assist branch, is celebrating 40 years of assisting to people with Cancer in Tumut, Batlow, Adelong and Talbingo.
“We are excited to be celebrating 40 years of assisting our local community this year and to celebrate this we are commencing with a themed ball to be held at the Tumut Golf Club on August 10,” said secretary of the Tumut Can Assist group, Deb Robinson.
The theme of the ball is “Ruby” the traditional colour/gemstone for 40 years.
Tables for 6-10 people can be booked, or if you don’t have a full table then you can be allocated with others and share.
The ball is set to start at 6pm for a 6.30pm roast dinner – the cost of the evening is $60 per person and includes live entertainment from the band ‘Platinum Duo’.
A further celebration will be held with an afternoon tea at the Riverside Café on October 19 commencing at 2pm. The Tumut branch of Can Assist was formed on August 1, 1984 (then known as the Cancer Patients Assistance Society (CPAS) where 16 people attended.
Annie Aichroy, Welfare Officer of Wagga CPAS assisted with establishing the branch with the first office bearers elected – president, Glennah Castle, secretary Jan Field and treasurer, Hugh Oliver.
The branch now has 90 members from Tumut, Batlow, Adelong and Talbingo and over the past 40 years some 22 life memberships have been awarded including one to Daphne Clark who was an founding members.
“At the time the branch was formed one of the main goals was to establish a palliative care ward in the old hospital which was realised with the assistance of funds from Tumut CPAS and donations; officially opened on August 11, 1990,” Ms Robinson said.
“In the past financial year, we have provided more than $98,000 in support, ensuring people with cancer in our area have equitable access to treatment and care.”
Can Assist is all about helping people who suffer from cancer and are undergoing treatments or need extra assistance – easing the burden of cancer for country families by providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas.
“We can ensure that country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres with this assistance,” Ms Robinson said.
“We also raise awareness of the inequities for patients in regional areas through information sessions, community campaigns and fundraising events.
“And we engage with businesses and government, and work hand-in-hand with the Riverina Cancer Care Centre, Lilier Lodge and NSW Health social workers.
“Our success is attributed to our very generous community and for that we are truly grateful,” Ms Robinson said.
For bookings and further information for the upcoming ‘Ruby’ Ball contact Deb Robinson on 0447 220 083.
tatimes.com.au/can-assist-tumut-celebrating-40-year-anniversary/
24th July 2024
