Can Assist is a grass roots, community based charity dedicated to supporting country residents affected by cancer.

Country families can pay up to five times more than a city family to received adequate treatment for cancer.

The reality is that many country mums and dads simply can’t afford treatment, let alone the weeks spent away from their family and work.

Since it was established in the 1950s Can Assist's network of branches have grown to more than 50 throughout NSW.

These branches raise vitals funds to provide direct support to their local communities affected by cancer. 

“I  was approached initially by my oncologist Ted Livshin, who knew of my charity work with Great Lakes Hospice, Relay  for Life and the Cancer Council,”  Roz  Dreise said.

“A  meeting was set  up with  some of  the  Manning  group in Taree  last  year  and  I was  able to  find  out more  about the group and Can Assist.

“We held another meeting  in Forster this year with two members of the Manning Valley group, Bonita Lindfield   and Paul Allen in attendance.

“As money raised locally stays local  to assist  families who often  struggle  financially  after the initial  diagnoses of   cancer, the  meeting  decided  to  start a  group here to  support this  worthy  charity.

“It was  pointed out  by the Taree  group  that a lot of requests  for assistance comes from  the  2428 postcode.”

The newly formed group held its first fund-raiser earlier this month with members, Wendy Atikinson and Roz Dreise selling raffle tickets at Stocklands and in Tuncurry.

The raffle, which will be drawn in August, will include $2500 worth of groceries and fuel.

Can Assist   Manning Valley plans to hold a high tea in November at Club Taree with well known actor Sigrid Thornton special guest. 

Phone  Roz  0409 820 126 for more information.