For more than 50 years, Can Assist has provided financial assistance, accommodation and support services to country cancer patients through a network of volunteer branches throughout NSW.

The organization owns and operates the Jean Colvin Hospital in Sydney and two accommodation facilities - Ecclesbourne in Sydney and Lilier Lodge in Wagga Wagga - where cancer patients and their families can stay close to the hospitals and treatment centres they are attending.

Much of the fundraising has been done by groups such as the Friends of the Jean Colvin Hospital. One of the major fundraisers is the annual Can Assist Caulfield Cup Race Day at Randwick Racecourse. Because the Friends’ committee has reduced in the last few years due to members’ illness and reduced capacity to travel, Can Assist was seeking new members for the committee who would bring a fresh perspective to this event.

Goodcompany volunteer Nicole Conrad answered their volunteer project on our website and Kate van der Voort of Can Assist is full of praise for her contribution. “Talk about a breath of fresh air! Nicole came to the first meeting and mentioned a couple of things she could do. Within days, emails were pouring in about prizes she had secured, people she had spoken to, and tasks completed.” She describes Nicole as the backbone of the committee and a great team member. Nicole secured thousands of dollars worth of prizes for the auctions which contribute most of the money raised on the day at Randwick.

Nicole loved working with the caring, committed people at Can Assist and is keen to continue lending them support.