Cancer Council WA has praised the generosity of an HBF donation of close to $40,000 following the cancellation of HBF Run for a Reason, saying the urgently-needed funds would help provide essential services to West Australians affected by cancer.
Cancer Council WA CEO Ashley Reid said the cancellation or postponement of key fundraising events had impacted on critical services for people affected by cancer in WA.
"We are very proud to partner with HBF and are very grateful for their kind donation," Mr Reid said.
"The unfortunate cancellation and modification of some of our largest fundraising events, including Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, Do it For Cancer, Relay For Life and HBF Run for a Reason, which generate more than $4m in revenue each year, is having substantial implications for the 30,000 Western Australians affected by cancer that rely on our support.
"We are seeing an increase in anxiety and the effects of isolation on many people and are doing all we can to continue our 13 11 20 support line and our lodge accommodation for regional patients to ensure treatment plans can continue.
"We also need to adapt our Transport to Treatment program to continue providing country cancer patients safe transportation to and from their treatment centres in Perth.
"We face the very real possibility of falling short in the funding we need for these critical cancer services.
"Every day another 33 West Australians will hear the words "you have cancer". Cancer does not rest and neither do we.
"This generous assistance from HBF will allow us to continue to provide essential services for families impacted by cancer, and for that we are incredibly grateful."
