The Hastings Auto Restorers Society has handed over $6000 to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute's Port Macquarie campus.
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The funds were raised at the society's annual June swap meet through gate takings, raffles and donations from the Port Macquarie SES unit.
Club spokesperson Chris Whalley said the $6000 handed over on Wednesday August 29 brings the total donated to the institute to $60,000.
"We've been fundraising for the cancer institute for 10 years because we believe in supporting the unit's work," he said.
"The driving force behind the donation is society member and prostate cancer survivor 'Rocket' Turnbull.
"The donation is a team effort, and includes every single person who bought a raffle ticket," he said.
"'Rocket' has been a patient at the unit and he is the main driving force behind this donation."
Mr Whalley said the society was community based and the members enjoy supporting local organisations.
"We like to think of ourselves as being a bit old fashioned in that we enjoy going out and helping other people and organisations in our community," he added.
The society also acknowledged the Port Macquarie Racecourse and the Port Macquarie SES for their support for the swap meet.
Director mental health and integrated care at Mid North Coast Local Health District Sara Shaughnessy, said the cancer institute was grateful to the society for their ongoing support.
"This presentation is validation of the very generous and supportive nature of the Port Macquarie community," she said.
"I see this level of support every day when I come to the hospital and the cancer institute.
"It is great to see these amazing people doing wonderful things in this community.
"The focus of the donation is placed on the service users and their families. It is these people who access the care here at the cancer institute.
"The treatment of cancer takes a toll on the patient and their family, so these funds will assist with food vouchers and support to enable them to get on with the care they really need.
"It is very purposeful and deliberate help with the necessities of life such as groceries. These funds provide very practical help and it is actually what the families need at this time."
Nursing unit manager Jenny Baroutis said she is in awe of 'Rocket' and his crew.
"The kindness and compassion shown over the past decade, the community and determination; it makes a difference to our patients and it inspires our entire team," she said.
The cancer institute is the venue for the prostate cancer support group meetings which are on the second Thursday of each month between 5pm and 6pm.
Meetings are an opportunity for members to support each other through friendship, conversations and the sharing of information. Partners are also welcome to attend.
For information contact Ron 'Rocket' Turnbull on 6585 2051.
