Cairns COUCH Cancer Wellness Centre has renewed confidence in their capacity to create a sustainable future supporting Far North Queenslanders affected by cancer and their families, thanks to a $106,000 COVID-19 Emergency Grant announced today from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
The unrestricted funding from Hand Heart Pocket will fill a fundraising shortfall experienced as a result of the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The grant will also allow the centre to continue providing its telehealth services free of charge during COVID-19, ensuring critical support is provided, in a safe manner, for those who needed it most.
COUCH Wellness Centre Chair Ron Holden said that the grant was a welcome relief since the centre was still in its growth phase.
“Although our past fundraising activities have given us the capacity to provide free telehealth services in the short-term, the local Cairns tourism businesses that support us have been severely impacted by the pandemic,” said Mr Holden.
“This additional financial support for the Wellness Centre means we won’t need to diminish our working capital during this difficult time and gives us renewed confidence in being able to create and sustain a financially secure future for COUCH.”
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the Freemason charity was focused on assisting its existing charity partners and working with Freemason Lodges to increase support at a grassroots level during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“So far, Hand Heart Pocket has provided around $700,000 in COVID-19 emergency support and Grassroots Community Grants to ensure our existing partners and grassroots charities can continue providing support to the community during the pandemic,” Gary said.
“We were strong supporters of the COUCH Wellness Centre development, providing a half-amillion- dollar grant to see the initial stage of the centre come to fruition.
“The COUCH Wellness Centre provides an essential service for Far North Queensland, and we wanted to ensure that they could meet current needs and continue to improve outcomes for the community over the long-term.”
Photo: COUCH Wellness Centre in Cairns is one of the latest recipients of a COVID-19 Emergency Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
To find out more about COUCH Wellness Centre go to www.couch.org.au
