Dedicated volunteers from the Maitland Cancer Appeal Committee will hand over $200,000 they raised for cancer research tomorrow night.
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The committee of 24 and their volunteers – who also operate the Rutherford linen service for palliative care – have raised more than $1 million for cancer research since they started in 1995.
At their Christmas party, two cheques will be presented: One for $100,000 to Professor Jim Benhan for research into prostate cancer and $100,000 to Dr Pablo Mascato for research into brain tumours.
Alice Bennis, who started the committee after losing her daughter to the disease, paid tribute yesterday to their volunteers and to the people of Maitland and much further afield who made their work possible.
“Ninety-nine per cent of money raised came from our shop from where we operate the linen service,” Mrs Bennis said.
“We have volunteers who work here up to 10 hours a week and without them none of this would happen.
“Our efforts are also strongly supported by our loyal customers who come not just from Maitland, but from Newcastle, Singleton, Muswellbrook and further.”
The committee bought their own building in April, 1999.
When Mrs Bennis and her close friend Lesley Flannery launched the committee, both worked behind the bar in a Maitland hotel.
“It is the people in Maitland who have made this such a success too – they have a good heart and we must thank them for their patronage,” Mrs Bennis said.
“The work done by our volunteers is never acknowledged, but without them none of this would have been possible.”
Mrs Flannery also paid tribute to many young people who supported their cause.
“The cheque presentation at our Christmas party will be proud moment for everyone,” she said. “And Alice and I will celebrate as we have always done – with a good cup of coffee.”
