Keeping Matty’s legacy alive and helping others along the way
The second fundraiser for Matty Rake has raised more than $50,000 for an important Wagga service.
He left behind two children, Ellie and Joey.
Matty’s family have since held two successful Matty Rake Memorial Days, one in 2023 and one this year.
In 2023, the family raised $45,000 and had even a bigger event was held in 2025, which raised $53,659 for Can Assist.
Matty’s sister Trina Rynehart said without the community these big donations to an important cause wouldn’t be possible.
“The crowd is getting bigger and bigger and the donations that we’re receiving are getting bigger as well,” Ms Rynehart said.
“So, if it wasn’t for those people out in our community and our family and our friends, we would not be able to raise this much money for our local branch.”
Ms Rynehart said she understood the importance of the funds for Can Assist as it was an essential part in making her brother’s journey easier.
“Can Assist approached us and assisted with things like vouchers when we had to go to Sydney for other treatments and operations,” she said.
“They assisted by Woolies vouchers and things like that and that just helped at that time, because he wasn’t able to work for 18 months.”
The funds will help Can Assist provide support for Wagga residents who are battling cancer.
Can Assist welfare officer Sally Davidson said the money would now allow the charity to pay for psychologists for those who are battling cancer.
“This is giving us the opportunity to look at things like a psychologist … which we haven’t really had before, from my understanding,” Ms Davidson said.
“This is giving them an opportunity so we can now pay for them to have access to that sort of aspect, which I think is critical.
“We’re getting a lot of referrals from the mental health team, it would be great if we could get more referrals from doctors themselves.”
Can Assist Wagga treasurer Gerry Grant said the aim was to get more donations for their service but also about increasing awareness of what they do.
“They don’t believe that we can offer that much. All it is like paying for an X-ray … we want more people coming through,” Ms Grant said.
Those wishing to help can donate to Can Assist through their website.
