The Armidale and District Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association demonstrated how organisations and individuals in the community Can Assist.
After many hours of fundraising, through community and in-house raffle ticket selling over the past year, the local Nashos chose a select few organisations and initiatives to support. They chose to help those who help the local community directly, in times of need. “It is rewarding for us that money we raise goes back to the public in ways which are meaningful and can really make a difference,” Vice-President of the Armidale and District Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, Barry Dawson said.
“People buy Nashos wood raffle tickets because they know we will spend the money on worthy local causes. This gives our Sub-Branch an extra sense of purpose – a role within the community.”
Mr Dawson said that he hopes the Nashos’ donation to CanAssist will help to attract more donations for the 100 per cent charity funded organisation, which helps those who are struggling financially with their cancer battle. “Our donation was not massive but it will make a big difference for someone. I’ll be able to report back to our members that our donation will cover somebody’s (average) chemotherapy costs for one month.”
Armidale CanAssist Branch President, Carol Higginbottom, said that every donation, like that which was just handed to her by the local Nashos, is vital to Can-Assist and demonstrative of a good community, where people are there for one another. “Every dollar is spent locally, on a local person, helping them with expenses related to their cancer treatment,” she said. “All the money we get in, goes out.
“In a country community like Armidale, people are very giving towards cancer charities. I think they understand that the money we get helps local cancer patients with immediate needs.
“Any other organisations or individuals who would like to contribute to the work of CanAssist can contact any of our members. As well as myself, there is Kerry Pearson (Treasurer), with Barbara Connah and Liz Fulloon serving as Secretaries. My contact phone number is: 6772 2291. Our mailing address is PO Box 1259, Armidale. We are extremely grateful for any support that the community can provide,” Mrs Higginbottom said.
Story: Gary Fry
