THE Oberon Can Assist Branch was officially declared a branch at the meeting held last Wednesday, and is now calling for the Oberon community to become members of the branch and support its very worthwhile cause.
Can Assist is run by local volunteers to help locals who have to go to metropolitan areas for cancer treatment. Raised funds are contributed towards support while undergoing treatment, travel, and accommodation. The support is for those affected by cancer of any age, and more importantly the funds raised in Oberon remain here for Oberon people.
The committee of the Oberon Can Assist Branch was established, with Kevin Campbell as president, Debbie Young as secretary and public welfare contact person, Lois Gibbons as treasurer. Committee members include Cheryl Burt, Leanne Barlow, Brenda Lyon, Lisa Saul, Debbie Christie-Johnston and Sharon Inwood.
It was announced at the meeting that the Bathurst Branch of Can Assist would donate $500 to the Oberon Branch, and Can Assist NSW also donated a further $500 to assist the branch to get up and running.
It was also announced that a sum of $13,700 kept in the Edith Hall Trust Fund would be transferred to the Oberon Branch.
A number of other fundraising activities and items contributed by the community, including loads of wood, quilts and holidays as raffle prizes, were also announced to be aimed towards raising funds for the branch.
Debbie Young said that the branch is now functioning, and it is crucial that the Oberon community know that the branch is there to help anyone who needs assistance in dealing with cancer. Debbie also said that anyone seeking the assistance of the Branch can be assured that it will remain very confidential, with only the executive committee, made up of the president, secretary and treasurer, being aware of the situation.
“It will not be announced at meetings. The names of recipients will not be made known to the public,” said Debbie.
Debbie said the branch is now looking for members to become involved in Can Assist, however those who become members should not feel obliged to participate constantly.
“Members can assist with fundraising, or support meetings. They can put in as little or as much as they are prepared,” she said.
“There is no expectations as to what members have to do.”
Membership applications will be available in many locations throughout town, or can be obtained by contacting Debbie Young on the below phone number.
The membership fee is $2, and as Debbie noted, it is a little price to pay to support such an important cause.
The Oberon Can Assist Branch contact details are as follows: P.O Box 291 Oberon NSW 2787, ph: 0412 696 292, and email oberon@canassistbranch.com.au
T he next meeting will be held on Wednesday the February 11 at the Oberon RSL, commencing at 7pm.
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