Can Assist’s Manning Valley’s (CAMV) motto of ‘locals helping locals’ has been kindly returned back to them with the Taree-based not-for-profit recognised as the winners for the May round of community funding from #GreaterMidNorthCoast.
Founded in 2012, the charity provides financial assistance and support to those within the Manning Valley, Great Lakes and Gloucester regions who have a current diagnosis of cancer and received conventional treatment in the previous 12 months.
Cancer patients in regional areas can pay up to five-times more to access necessary treatment compared with those in metropolitan areas, which is why all monies raised, including the $2000 from Greater Bank, will remain in the region.
CAMV is run by a dedicated committee of nine volunteers, with the president Janice Latimer delighted to be acknowledged by the local community as deserving recipients.
“Having this funding from Greater Bank, honestly, couldn’t have been timed any better,” said Janice.
“Since the bushfires and COVID, we haven’t been able to have our usual big fundraisers, which usually generate tens of thousands of dollars.
“But despite this, we made sure there were no excuses and we continued to provide our service regardless of what was happening around us.
“There is enough stress in the world at the moment, so if we are able to help alleviate some of it for those who need it the most, we always will.”
Greater Bank’s Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager, Karl McLean, said recognising organisations that are always putting others before themselves is one of the best things about the community funding initiative.
“We are always inspired here at Greater Bank by the generosity of others, especially an organisation so deserving in Can Assist Manning Valley,”
Karl McLean, Greater Bank Regional Manager
“They are coming up to a very special milestone of 10 years working in the community and, incredibly, every single dollar they have raised in that time has remained in the region, going straight to the cancer patients and families who need it most.”
Riding for the Disabled (NSW) Manning Great Lakes Centre and Tender Funerals Mid North Coast each received $500 from Greater Bank as the runners up for May.
The June round of the #GreaterIllawarra program is now open with Great Lakes Women’s Shelter, Bridging the Gap Community Services and OzHarvest Port Macquarie all competing for a share in the $3000 funding.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greatermidnorthcoast or by visiting a Greater Bank branch. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 30 June 2021.