Volunteering for CanAssit for many years, it all started when his son was diagnosed with cancer back in 1966.

“We lost our little boy to cancer back in 1966,” Mr Alexander said.

He himself experienced the terrible hold of cancer in 2003, and battled the disease along with his other son, who was also diagnosed at the same time and passed away in 2009.

“I was over in Wagga having treatment when my son Jamie had cancer, and the assistance provided by Griffith’s CanAssist helped us greatly.”

Griffith CanAssist was able to support him during his treatment, and he now thinks it’s important to give back to the organisation that does so much for the Griffith community.

“Because of our experiences, we know how much assistance families require, and to be able to give back to CanAssist is extremely rewarding.”

President Olga Forner appreciates the time and effort Mr Alexander dedicates to CanAssist, with his recent efforts at printing the coverings for the Circle of Gold tins.

Proceeds of the tins will help continue to support Griffith patients and families.

”In the last six days, we’ve sent out $6500 worth of air flights,” Ms Forner said.

“It was just fortunate we were able to do it. If we didn’t work for this, if we didn’t get those funds, what would those six people have done?”

Michelle Bowman of Bowman Real Estate kicked off the Circle of Gold campaign by donating $1000 to the charity, and encourages other businesses to open their hearts and wallets as well.

“They work so hard, and so many people are ill and need a lot of help, and they need money to do that. Accommodation, travel, bills, all those things. It’s only a little group, and it’s so easy for people to put their hand in their pocket and donate $2,” Ms Bowman said.

“I put out a $1000 challenge out there for other businesses to do the same.”

The Circle of Gold campaign officially starts on February 10, and will finish in the beginning of March.

The committee will be approaching businesses in Griffith to leave one of their gold tins on their counters, and in an early run, have raised around $400 so far.

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CanAssist invites Griffith residents to attend their morning tea on Thursday February 15 at Bowman’s Real Estate, with “all sorts of goodies” and cups of tea available from 10am till 12.

“It will be $5 entry, and all the money will go to the Circle of Gold campaign,” Ms Forner said.

Keep your eyes out for other CanAssist events throughout the month, so dig deep and know the money helps Griffith.