‘Incredible’ generosity for fundraiser

A PARTNERSHIP between the Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary and Inverloch Men’s Shed raised valuable funds towards the purchase of ultrasound equipment for Wonthaggi Hospital’s cancer care centre.

The sophisticated ultrasound equipment costs $60,000 and will enable locals using the centre to remain in the area throughout cancer surgery.

The men’s handiwork was on sale at Inverloch’s Sunday market at the Glade, with all proceeds going to the cause.

Approximately $3686 was raised, smashing the minimum target of $2000.

“The generosity has been incredible,” Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary president Gerry Surridge said of the fundraising efforts of the Inverloch Men’s Shed and the broader community.

Despite previous COVID setbacks to the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts, $20,000 had already been set aside for the ultrasound equipment prior to Sunday’s boost.

Mr Surridge explained the important role community plays in ensuring the still new cancer centre has all the equipment to diagnose and treat patients locally.

“The hospital had already got the funds through government for the buildings and main kit out but they didn’t have the (medical) equipment, so we took that on board,” he said.

While the auxiliary was formed only about 16 months ago, it raised $120,000 last year despite the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic.

Those funds went toward required start up equipment for the new centre.

Such efforts rely on the generosity of local community groups and people, along with many visitors to Inverloch.

“People are no longer required to travel down to Melbourne or across to the Latrobe Valley for regular chemo treatment,” Mr Surridge said.
Inverloch Men’s Shed president Matt McDonald was delighted the group could support such an important cause, taking a philosophical approach to the importance of healthcare in the local area.

He noted the men are conscious of the importance of giving back to the community in which they live.

“Blokes like to be productive and it’s all for a good cause,” Mr McDonald said.

Most of the items the men sell are made from salvaged timber.

While much furniture is made from reinvigorated old pallets, items such as cutting boards are often fashioned from high-quality timber offcuts.