By Leon Georgiou
AROUND 140 people gathered at the Mount Gambier RSL and District Bowling Club last fortnight to help raise money for the Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group.
The annual event, which has been held for around 15 years, included live music, afternoon tea, a raffle and belly dancing.
Cancer support group chairperson Lorraine Musgrove was pleased with the community’s support.
“We can’t thank them enough, the local businesses and the people of Mount Gambier and surrounding towns for the support that they give us,” she said.
Around $1500 was raised for the support group, which offers financial and emotional support to individuals diagnosed with cancer throughout the Limestone Coast.
More specifically, the support group tailors its assistance to each client’s individual needs, as Ms Musgrove explains.
“It depends on what the clients require themselves, some of them might only want information about going to Adelaide or where to stay, those sorts of things,” she said.
“We don’t give out any medical advice or anything like that.
“But in saying that, if we have a client who’s concerned about anything, we can [advise them about who to] contact.”
Karuna Buttle is currently one of the volunteers within the support group.
Nine years ago she was diagnosed with cancer.
Ms Buttle explained how she received support “talking about things” whilst undergoing treatment and how she joined the group to pay that support forward.
“They gave me a lot of support when l was at Greenhill lodge and financial support, and just ringing, Lorraine ringing and giving me support when I was either getting radiation or chemotherapy,” Ms Buttle said.
“It has helped me personally, and I want to help everybody else in the community as well, and just get the message out there about the group.”
Contact Lorraine Musgrove on 0419 826 559 or email mgcsgi@outlook.com for more information on the support group.
