Can Assist is a group of 20 people who have been fundraising for cancer sufferers in the Bega Valley Shire for the last 10 years.

With the support of local business and residents, their financial assistance has now reached $400,000 and helped 320 patients.

Assistance is confidential and can include food and fuel vouchers, help with medical and pharmaceutical costs, travel costs to and from treatment facilities and more.

Continued support is essential because cancer does not care where or who it strikes, but Can Assist does.

Every dollar raised in the shire helps people of the shire.

When the Bega farmers’ cooperative was formed in 1899, a small group of local residents formed the Bega District Band.

Through two World Wars and some smaller ones the band played on, serving its community whenever needed.

Many community events have been enhanced by the band’s music, such as street parades, concerts, fundraisers and bridge openings.

This year marks 116 years of service to Bega and surrounding communities.

Recently, the band rooms in Canning St received heritage listing, identifying the band’s historical significance to the region.

Without community support this band cannot survive.

To celebrate these landmarks Can Assist and the Bega District Band will conduct an old time dance on Saturday, November 21 at Wolumla Hall with doors open at 7.30pm,

Tickets are $20 and supper by Can Assist is inclusive as are lucky door prizes.

Music is supplied by the Bega District Band and guest performer Barbara Black on keyboard.

For more information call John on 0448 811 517.