Story: Gary Fry
The Armidale and District Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association has again demonstrated how organisations and individuals in the community can make a big difference for locals in medical and financial need, through CanAssist.
After many hours of fundraising, through wood raffles and Sub-branch draws over the past 12 months, the local Nashos selected a 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,” President of the Armidale and District Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, Harold Heffernan said.
“People buy Nasho wood raffle tickets because they know we will spread the money on worthy local causes. This gives our Sub-branch an extra sense of purpose – a role within the community.”
This year, the Nashos donated to both Guyra and Armidale branches of CanAssist. The 100 per cent charity funded organisation helps individuals or families who are struggling financially with their cancer battle.
Armidale CanAssist Branch President, Carol Higginbottom, said that she is always extremely grateful for the generosity of the Nashos. “Every donation, like that which was just handed to me by our local Nashos, is vital to CanAssist and demonstrative of our supportive community, where people are there for one another,” she said. “Every dollar we get is spent locally, on a local person, helping them with expenses related to their cancer treatment,” she said.
President of CanAssist Guyra, Bill Wicks, joined his Armidale counterpart in receiving the donation in person. He said it was surprising. “We work so hard in our little community to raise enough money to support people who are suffering from cancer. To get an organisation from another centre saying ‘we’d like to give you some money towards your cause’ – it’s almost overwhelming.”
Mr Wicks had a specific example of how funds
are put to practical use in Guyra. “A lot of our work is done in collaboration with Elizabeth McMahon, a community health nurse at the MPS. Last week, she rang and said ‘I have a gentleman suffering from a brain tumor and he is being cared for at home. Unfortunately, his carer has just cut off two fingers.’ This left an emergency situation all round. Ms McMahon said ‘I need $50 to arrange for emergency help while we bridge the (care) gap.’ As we had the funds on hand, I was able to say, do it.
“Sometimes, we might help out with a power bill or prescription costs. Knowing that people are out there and prepared to do that, can give somebody fighting cancer a real lift,” he said.
Any other organisations or individuals who would like to contribute to the work of CanAssist should check out http://www.cancerpatients.com.au/branches.
