The I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health appeal was established to support the development of a fully integrated cancer centre at GV Health, to address a significant gap in regional cancer infrastructure.
While Victoria has six designated regional public health services, GV Health is the only one without an integrated cancer centre.
The proposed centre will bring cancer treatment, specialist clinics and wellness services together in one purpose-built facility, improving co-ordination of care and helping meet the growing and increasingly complex needs of cancer patients across the Goulburn Valley.
Funding has been secured for stage one of the build, but $90 million is needed for stage two.
GV Health Foundation is aiming to raise $5 million locally to send a strong message to parliamentary decision-makers that the project has strong community support.
Tatura Pedals and Steps has committed to supporting the appeal for next three years, in which time it pledges to inject $150,000 to the cause, bumping the total funds raised and pledges to $1,227,000 as of September 16.
Acting GV Health Foundation board chair Ella Cannon said the partnership would have a significant impact on cancer care in the region.
“This remarkable $150,000 pledge will help us continue working towards a future where local people diagnosed with cancer can access more of the treatment, support services and facilities they need, closer to home,” Ms Cannon said.
"Community partnerships like this demonstrate the power of people coming together to make a lasting difference for local families facing cancer.”
In August, GV Health’s oncology team and community supporters raised more than $19,000 for the appeal at the annual Shepparton Running Festival, with more than 30 GV Health oncology staff running 2km, 5km or half-marathon (21.2km) distances.
Later in August, a further $5000 was raised for the appeal through Daffodil Day events.
Formerly the Tat200, Tatura Pedals and Steps has raised more than $1.25 million for Goulburn Valley causes in its 16 events since 2008.
GV Health Foundation is now inviting other businesses, community organisations and individuals to build on the latest commitment from the event through donations, fundraising partnerships or multi-year pledges.
Tatura Pedals and Steps will be held on Saturday, October 3.
Community members can fundraise, sponsor a participant or donate.
For more, visit the website at tatura200.com.au
To create a fundraising page and collect sponsorships for the GV Health appeal through the Tatura Pedals and Steps event, visit the ‘supporter hub’ on the GV Health Foundation website at gvhealthfoundation.supporterhub.net.au
For more information on the I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health appeal, visit gvhealthfoundation.org.au
