Cootamundra: Barbecue, Bingo and cake…

Catering Coordinator Jason Carroll with volunteer Murray Izzard outside IGA on Friday.

The familiar smell of the Can Assist barbecue can once again be experienced outside IGA as restrictions ease to allow the charity to get back to fundraising.

At the height of restrictions all fundraising except for donations ceased, putting a dent in the incoming monies of the organisation – an issue faced by charities across the country.

Outgoing costs however remained as Can Assist continued to provide financial assistance to those affected by cancer during the pandemic.

Cootamundra residents sniffing out a sausage sizzle can get their fix every second Friday outside IGA.

Can Assist volunteers are also back behind the barbecue at the Cootamundra Saleyards during their fortnightly sheep sale providing take-away fare for agents and other necessary personnel – another fundraising avenue which temporarily closed during the height of Covid19 infections earlier this year.

Mavis selling at the trading table

Early September saw the return of Bingo to the Cootamundra Ex-servicemen’s Club. The first occasion was in aid of Can Assist. Of course, Covid-19 restrictions saw a reduced participation. Those who booked, did so very, very promptly, so the night was a sell-out, a definite indication of the popularity of this event.

Robyn serving another member, Kay. There was a huge supply of cakes to sell

Can Assist want to thank all who attended and who were very generous in their donations, purchases from the cake stall and purchases of raffle tickets. Helen Eccleston won the $50 Fuel Card prize in the raffle and over-all, the night brought in just on $1,000 for Can Assist funds.

Colleen and Pam (caller and member) taking a quick break

Thanks also goes to Megan Sawyer, new Manager of the Club, for her sterling work in seeing to the organisation in the new venue (which worked very well) and under Covid-19 rules and regulations. Also, thanks to Greg Bruce, past Manager, for popping in to see that we were all enjoying ourselves. A wonderful night was had by all.