WHEN the local community hears ‘Can Assist’ they immediately spring to action to help.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Now Can Assist wants to give something back and they have organised a 30th birthday party with anyone who has been touched by the service invited to attend.
For three decades, on Saturday, September 13, Can Assist has been part of the fabric of Cootamundra and is one of the most trusted organisations we have.
Their sole aim is to raise funds for those affected by cancer to ease the financial burden of treatment, medication and travel expenses at a time the focus should be on health and wellbeing, not money.
With the words “We can Help” used on the original Cancer Patients Assistance Society flyer, they have always stayed true to this motto.
Cancer Patients Assistance Society (what we now know as Can Assist) was formed in 1984 following overwhelming public support at the initial meeting.
In the words of Herald editor at the time Barry Clarke “Cootamundra has a great record of care and compassion in worthy causes”.
“Show the people of Cootamundra a worthy cause and we’ll show you genuine concern”.
One of the very first CPAS fundraisers was a Jazz Concert at the S&C Club (Ex Services Club) in January 1985.
More than $2000 was taken through the door alone and a collection bucket brought in a further $600 in a wonderful fundraising start for the organisation.
People came from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and many country centres for the full day of jazz.
Now 30 years on Can Assist fundraisers are still well supported with one of the biggest reasons many say they are so happy to support the cause being all funds raised locally stay local.
Can Assist president Tammy Thompson invited everyone to Dickson Hall between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, September 13 to join in the celebration.
“An open invitation exists to anyone who has ever had anything to do with Can Assist - current and past members, clients, those who have donated,” Tammy said.
Countless people attribute the financial help they received in tough times to Can Assist, however Tammy said it is not Can Assist alone who have helped, it is the whole community of Cootamundra as without their assistance of our fundraising efforts we would not be able to help.
