Two rooms funded for country cancer patients thanks to Irwin District Charity Ball

The Irwin District Charity Ball has funded two rooms in Perth for regional cancer patients to help with their treatment. The Dongara-based ball was held last October and raised more than $70,000 for charity. The money was distributed this month to Cancer Council WA and Ronald McDonald House WA, with $32,000 funding two rooms at the former’s Crawford Lodge in Nedlands. The Adopt a Room program began in 2020 and is designed to help house cancer patients from the regions, with the money allowing two years of assistance. Irwin District Charity Ball president Fiona Cockman said they wanted to put the money towards a good cause. “We chose to donate half of the proceeds to the Adopt a Room program as it’s nice to know that in a time of need for many people and families, they have a home away from home and somewhere to unwind from the stress of what they are going through,” she said. “We wanted the money to be used for something tangible, so when we heard about the program, we knew the Mid West community would be thrilled that we chose to support country cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment in Perth.” According to Cancer Council WA, more than 5000 cancer patients come to the lodges from regions across the State. Engagement manager Laura Fiegert said funding was important to help take pressure off families who need treatment. “For the past 24 years it has been the generous major donors, corporate partners, passionate community fundraisers like the Irwin District Charity Ball committee and dedicated volunteers who have made everything we do to support country cancer patients possible, as every support service we offer to country families is donor-funded,” she said. “Their donation will ensure guests have a safe, clean and comfortable place to stay in their time of need.”