It's been a "devastating" year for charities, but Tamworth Can Assist had something to celebrate at its latest meeting.
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The group gathered for the first time since March earlier this week, and volunteer Robyn Fitzgerald said each friendly face truly made the most of it.
"It was so wonderful to catch up with everyone, most of us hadn't seen each other since early March," she said.
"Everyone is so friendly and it's just a lovely group."
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The local Can Assist team help support cancer patients in Tamworth, and the national organisation is celebrating its 65th birthday this year.
"It was so nice to have a cake and candles and sing happy birthday to ourselves," Ms Fitzgerald said.
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on Can Assist's fundraising plans, and the group even had to move the location of their monthly meetings to get back to work as quickly as possible.
"The COVID virus has been devastating, cancer patients still need assistance and there was no way we could have big functions or the fundraisers we normally would," Ms Fitzgerald said.
"We've been lucky to get a few generous donations ... and we've never had to refuse help," she said.
The first meeting back at the table required some serious catching up between the dozen or so volunteers who attended, but work was also at the front of their minds.
"We discussed really important things like fundraising, and what we can do to be able to fundraise in COVID times," Ms Fitzgerald said.
"We're organising a huge big Christmas raffle, so hopefully people will buy tickets and we can help some more local patients."
Ms Fitzgerald said they're always looking for more helpers, too.
To donate or get involved with Can Assist, contact Ms Fitzgerald on 0409384997.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
