Like many Illawarra-based charitable groups, Illawarra Cancer Carers finances took a hit because of COVID over the last two years, which in turn impacted the work they do for the community.
The work received a welcome boost this week when Illawarra Cancer Carers took out the public vote and with it $2000 in the July round of Greater Bank’s Community Funding Program.
The self-funded and volunteer run organisation with a membership base of 225 raises money to pay for equipment or cancer research in the Illawarra.
Illawarra Cancer Carers President, Geoff Failes, said the organisation has been operating for 31 years and has a proud history of supporting people across the Illawarra.
“Over the past three decades we have raised almost $5 million which has been spent only in the Illawarra, either for equipment at Wollongong Hospital or vital cancer research at the University of Wollongong.
“Our mission is to provide essential physical resources, emotional and research support to obtain a better caring environment for cancer patients in the Illawarra.
Illawarra Cancer Carers President, Geoff Failes
“One of our main functions is to provide transport for cancer patients to the Cancer Care Centre for treatment/appointments. The cost of fuel is our main expense each month, so we are extremely grateful to Greater Bank for this funding to help defray this expense and to go towards future investment in life-saving technology.”
Illawarra Cancer Carers has received $2,000 for winning the July round, with $500 each going to Green Connect and Woonona Community Garden as our monthly runners up.
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said groups like Illawarra Cancer Carers play a vital role in the community.
“It’s extraordinary how much money the ICC has raised over the years to contribute specifically to cancer in the Illawarra region,” Greg said.
“We are pleased to be able to make a contribution to help them cover their ongoing costs and help people with cancer.”
Our August nominees in the running for $3,000 in monthly funding through the #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program are Corrimal Cougars Junior Rugby League Football Club, Wollongong United Football Club and Wollongong Mustangs.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greaterillawarra until 5.00pm Friday August 19 2022.