A YOUNGER generation is desperately needed to carry on the work of a local charity.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With an average-age of about 76 and a top-turnout of six volunteers at most meetings, Tamworth’s Can Assist branch is calling on the region’s youngsters to step-up.
Robyn Fitzgerald has volunteered with the group for about 10 years and said the current group would “hang on as long as they could, because it’s so vital”.
Can Assist provided support to 34 patients in the Tamworth region in the last year, paying out more than $25,000.
The group helps people with all types of cancer with a vast range of expenses including: pharmaceutical, food, fuel, bills, rates and tyres, among others.
“They’re so sick and they’ve got their treatment to worry about and whether it will cure them, and then there’s financial worries on top of that,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“The fact we can help cancer patients … it’s heartwarming.”
Ms Fitzgerald said the group is often confused with Cancer Council and other charities, leaving them with a “small drop in the ocean”.
She said young volunteers would be able to get the group’s message in to the “right circles”, which was emphasised with a disheartening 30 people attending its masquerade ball, in May.
“I walked along the streets handing out flyers and it was advertised, it’s just to the stage where we’re not in the right circles.”
Ms Fitzgerald said some younger volunteers in the Can Assist stocks would help to keep on top of the digital sid of the organisation.
“Things that takes us all day to do would take someone with computer skills no time at all,” she said.
People interested in volunteering can call 1300 226 277.