Funds provide relief to cancer patients
For Australians with cancer the financial toll of battling the disease adds further burden to them and their families. Determined to make a difference, a group of retired health workers at the North Coast Cancer Institute came together to form The Coffs Coast Clarence Cando Cancer Trust in 2009.
The not-for-profit organisation provides financial support to patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Coffs Harbour Hospital.
Financial assistance is offered to patients to help meet general living costs such as food, fuel, electricity, and medical costs. Since commencing, the charity has helped over 1,200 patients totalling just under $500,000 in assistance, averaging 120 new patients and $70,000 in assistance each year.
The adverse impact of COVID-19 has made reaching these numbers extremely challenging with many fundraising activities cancelled due to lockdowns and restrictions.
The Coffs Coast Clarence Cando Cancer Trust plans to ramp up support with an added focus on the indigenous population in Nambucca Valley where there is great need for financial assistance, which will be a welcome relief to many low-income cancer patients in the community.
To support this initiative dedicated to Nambucca Valley cancer patients, The Lottery Office is donating $10,000.
The Lottery Office CEO Jaclyn Wood said the fund will provide direct support to 10 new patients and their families.
“COVID restrictions have put a hold on fundraising activities but patients battling cancer have not stopped and the process of getting treatment is incredibly expensive,” Ms Wood said.
“We are pleased to know that our donation will be life changing for families doing it tough and provide some relief to their situation.”
The Lottery Office donates a percentage of the cost of every ticket sold to charities across the country, allowing the organisation to make a positive impact on the lives of everyday Australians.
The Lottery Office urges anyone interested in donating to visit The Coffs Coast Clarence Cando Cancer Trust website.
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