John McEvoy (RDA), Paul Braybrooks President CRCC, Colleen Flynn (CanAssist), Olwen Smith (RDA).
At their recent July AGM, the Cootamundra Restorers Car Club (CRCC) invited representatives from CanAssist and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) as guests. The representatives were then given donations of $2000 each from Car Club President, Paul Braybrooks.
CanAssist, represented by Colleen Flynn, and the RDA, represented by Olwen Smith and John McEvoy, are both organisations that are run by volunteers who work tireless to improve the lives of people within and surrounding the Cootamundra community.
The guests gave a short talk to the members present, and highlighted the important role they play within the Cootamundra community.
While the need for donations was expressed by each organisation, severe gratitude was expressed by both, as well as appreciation of the Car Club’s donation.
$2000 to RDA
Olwen Smith took the opportunity to speak about the RDA, which has been functioning with volunteers in Cootamundra for 36 years.
Bev Chalmers, who was unable to attend, was a founding member.
The RDA is open to people young and old with disabilities, and now welcomes people from Temora.
There are now eight horses available, each with their own stable and are housed near the Cootamundra showground. Six horses are for riding and two are carriage horses.
Riding the horses allows participants to improve balance, core and leg strength. Other activities include carriage rides and cart rides.
Funds received will be used for care of the horses, including feeding, vet services and general maintenance.
$2000 to CanAssist
Colleen Flynn spoke about the work done by their tireless volunteers, which has served more than 600 residents of Cootamundra, Stockinbingal and Bethungra for 40 years.
Cancer Council reports there are more than 170,000 new diagnoses each year, with one third of all diagnoses from NSW (31,000 men and 26,000 women).
CanAssit (unique to NSW) has 50 branches across the state, and Colleen said the organisation relies on clients contacting them first. This, Colleen said, is because not everyone is looking for assistance.
Outgoing expenses, she said, varies from $2000 to $10,000 per month. These statistics are dependent on needs, transport assistance (with particular mention of the rising fuel prices), pharmacy needs and support.
Lilier Lodge Accomodation (near Wagga Base Hospital) is owned by CanAssist NSW and provides a “home away from home” for clients who need to travel for their cancer treatment.
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