500 may not seem like a large number to some but when Can Assist Manning Valley recently assisted the 500th family since inception 8 years ago members knew that they had reached a huge milestone. 

Members can’t say that this is a cause for celebration because they would rather have no-one faced with the challenges and stresses of cancer. There have been many dedicated members and volunteers with Can Assist Manning Valley over the years. Some have come and gone, others are still working tirelessly. All have contributed to this milestone. 

“For me, following my retirement and by chance, I found some online information which lead me to research further into a group called Can Assist Manning Valley. I was amazed by their achievements,” said President Janice Latimer. “If you would like to see some of our achievements check out our Facebook page,” she added. 

Janice made contact with the then President Ms Bonita Lindfield and was invited to attend the upcoming monthly meeting. Janice has now been volunteering with Can Assist Manning Valley for 2 years. 

With both regular and new applicants the demand continues to grow. The requests from applicants are increasing in value no doubt accelerated by drought, bushfires and COVID-19. Costs incurred by rural and regional cancer patients can be up to five times that experienced by patients in metropolitan areas. 

Like many not-for-profit charities volunteers at Can Assist Manning Valley have not been able to fundraise this year but the group has continued to volunteer to ensure that all of their applicants have received the assistance they so desperately needed. 

“I must wholeheartedly acknowledge the local community for the support over the past 8 years. From individuals to both small and large businesses; whether it be donations of cash, supporting raffles by donating prize items/purchasing tickets, offering venues or great deals on menus for functions and in many other ways we have never been denied in our fundraising ventures. Many people have continued to make their monthly donations throughout the past 12 months. Without this continued support from our community we could not assist our applicants the way we do. There are too many to list here but I hope that many will read this article and if they don’t already know it … we are truly grateful,” said Janice. 

If you have a current diagnosis of cancer, have received conventional treatment for cancer in the past 12 months and need financial assistance due to the extra costs being incurred then please contact Can Assist Manning Valley Branch. 

Phone: 0428 593 973 

Email: CanAssistManningValley@outlook.com 

Post: PO Box 1016, Taree NSW 2430 

Donations can be made to: Can Assist Manning Valley Westpac Taree 

BSB: 032 587 Account Number: 337740