Cancer patients across the Riverina who rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment will benefit from vital funding that cancer assistance branches, Can Assist Narrandera and Can Assist Leeton, have received from greenslips.com.au. 
It’s a huge shot in the arm at a time when grassroots fundraising has been stymied by the pandemic.
The two Can Assist branches provide practical and financial support to cancer patients in their immediate communities (and surrounding townships where there isn’t a branch), through travel, food and fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals, equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, lift chairs, walking frames), oxygen, utilities payments and car insurances like CTP green slips.
For both branches, the support provided by greenslips.com.au is invaluable, particularly because having a car is vital in the Riverina region. Local cancer patients travel long distances – to Wagga, Griffith, Albury and sometimes Sydney – for treatment. 
“Having the choice and flexibility of your own car is so important,” says Narrandera President, Neta Close, a former Registered Nurse. “It gives a greater sense of independence. And public transport is often not an option. It’s amazing the impact the funds can have on a cancer patient and their families. It takes a huge stress off them.”
It’s a view echoed by Mary Dodd, Leeton Branch President: “A car is essential; some travel 3.5 hours a day for treatment – and that can go on every day for six weeks,” she adds.
Can Assist Leeton, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022, is the 30th branch around NSW to have received the critical support from greenslips.com.au. It currently has 377 clients on its books, some of whom are in remission, and the team helps between 100 and 150 people a year.
“It’s amazing how much we help people; some could not afford their treatment if it wasn’t for Can Assist,” said Mary. 
The Narrandera branch celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and helps more than 90 people each year – and they’re keen to create more awareness of the support they can offer and thus reach more recipients. 
“We provide practical and emotional support,” says Neta. “People are so grateful the service is available and that it’s not means tested. You can live in a tent or a mansion, we don’t say no to anybody with cancer.” 
Nora Logemann, an OT with NSW Health who works at both Narrandera and Leeton Hospitals and has used both Can Assist branches for her patients, sums it up perfectly: “If Can Assist was not there, a lot of people would struggle to get what they need to support their cancer journey. There are a lot of costs. A lot of our clients have trouble travelling to treatment. It all adds up.”
What sets Can Assist apart from other charities is that all money raised locally is spent on local residents. The branches are funded entirely by local donations and fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au.
“Fundraising has been on hold due to COVID but the amount spent on patient care in 2020 was over $90,000,” said Neta.
“Patient care includes pharmacy, travel, accommodation, equipment, food supplements and oxygen therapy. We have some amazing locals who support us, and many businesses, organisations, schools and individual are wonderful donors. And our Can Assist donation cans all over the town help our ongoing fundraising. However, a lot of the normal things we do to raise funds are just not happening.”
The Can Assist branches, which are run entirely by local volunteers, know there are many more cancer patients in the community who need help – and they’re keen to support them, especially with the funds from greenslips.com.au to help pay for patients’ green slip insurance. But that’s not all, they’re also keen to see more volunteers join their branches. 
For information about accessing assistance, donating or volunteering with Can Assist Leeton, contact 0456 657 675 and Can Assist Narrandera, call 0456 056 109. For further information about how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au.