Another $3000 has been donated to specifically assist locals undergoing treatment for cancer, thanks to the Deniliquin participants of the 2018 Hay Rust N Dust Rally.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Between them, the two local teams raised almost $8000 — with Leesa Muir and Ash Gray as team ‘Flintstones Affair’ raising $4150 and Merv Taylor and Gayle Smith as ‘Gringos’ contributing $3800.
While the event is intended to benefit the Hay CanAssist branch, teams were able to nominate other charities to receive a portion of their fundraising.
‘‘Given there were seven towns outside Hay participating, it was decided by the organising committee that they would support charities in those outside towns as well,’’ Ms Muir said.
‘‘As a result, the Deniliquin, Hillston, Coleambally and Condobolin CanAssist branches were each given $3000.
‘‘The remaining amount of the $65,510 raised for CanAssist branches went to the Hay branch — $53,150.
‘‘There was also a donation of $24,000 to the western division CanAssist out of the total of $140,510 raised from the 2018 event.
‘‘The remaining funds were split between two other charities, with Angel Flight receiving $26,000 and the Hay Community Health Trust getting $25,000.’’
Deniliquin CanAssist president Kellie Crossley said the donation will allow the group to help even more local people.
‘‘So far we have been able to help 47 people in our community, with some who may have needed help more than once,’’ Mrs Crossley said.
‘‘It’s hard to say how many more people this donation could help, because each request for assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis.’’
The most common request for assistance to CanAssist is help with transport costs associated with treatment, in the form of petrol vouchers.
Mrs Crossley said helping to cover pharmaceutical costs is another common way the group can help.
The 2018 Hay Dust N Rust Rally was held in November and December last year, with 41 cars travelling between Hay and Hungerford and back again.
Ms Muir said both Deniliquin teams have submitted an expression of interest to take part in this 2019 rally at the end of this year.