The chair of Hastings Cancer Trust says the fundraising groups annual grants program will go ahead in 2020.
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This is despite Dr Stephen Begbie acknowledging "it will go down in history as a very challenging year".
The Trust aims to support cancer patients, cancer survivors and carers across the Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Macleay areas through fundraising activities and the delivery of grants.
Grant funds help community purchase or improve vital equipment and facilities.
Dr Begbie said no sooner had the region recovered from drought and fires, before COVID-19 struck.
"Cancer in the Hastings region remains a very important issue, particularly important for some of you.
"But fundraising for a charity during a pandemic seemed inappropriate to us as a group.
"As a fundraising body we are very sensitive to the current health uncertainty and economic strain on our community.
"Reflecting this view, the Trust's major fundraising event for 2020 - the Winter Glimmer Ball - has been rescheduled to June 19, 2021.
"We remain happy to receive public donations via our website.
"However, regardless of how much we raise this year we will still be having the 2020 grants process," he said.
Dr Begbie called on cancer workers to consider ways to apply for a grant that is both creative and useful to the community.
He said all donations will be used directly for the benefit of the community.
Any cancer service organisations in Hastings/Macleay/Camden Haven are encouraged to start thinking creatively about projects that the Trust may be able to support in this next round of grants.
The 2020 grant application process will start from Monday August 3 and will be open until Friday October 2 2020.
The Trust has distributed over $1 million to cancer projects including, the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for cancer treatment; conducted world-class clinical trials and improved the quality of local palliative care and specialist training for our region.
"For anyone who would like to contribute to the Trust, visit the website and click on the Donate Now button. All donations over $2 are tax deductible," he added.
Go here to apply for a grant
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