Cash boost for cancer outreach foundation

FAMILIES grappling with brain cancer will receive a boost, thanks to a $357,000 injection into an outreach service servicing the region.

Torquay-based charity Peace of Mind Foundation will use the funds to continue its annual Surf Coast family retreat, and in-home support and counselling.

Peace of Mind Foundation Director Bec Picone said the funding will allow the group to expand its services.

“We will be able to provide more support services like cleaning, gardening and counselling to take the stress away associated with living with brain cancer,” Ms Picone said.

She said the group will also be able to buy more mobility aids and grant more “wishes” to terminally ill patients.

At the weekend the group hosted a retreat at the Araluen Lutheran Camp in Anglesea for about 100 people including patients and their families from across the country.

“It is our biggest retreat yet, about 100 guests from across Australia, all patients and families fighting brain cancer,” Ms Picone said. “It’s all about fun, friendship and adventure, creating memorable moments as a family and connecting with others who are also on the brain cancer journey.”

The event will include a circus show, outdoor movie, motor bike rides on the Great Ocean Road, and sand castle making, kite flying, fishing and jet ski rides at Torquay beach.

The Peace of Mind Foundation funding is part of a $2.13 million package for the terminally ill across the region including $1.1 million for Geelong-based hospice Anam Cara and $681,700 for the Warrnambool and District Community Hospice.

Anam Cara House chair Diana Taylor said the grant would allow the hospice to significantly expand its services through community outreach and extra capacity.