ABOUT US

We are a group of dedicated volunteers providing services and support to members of the community and their families and friends who are affected by cancer. A registered charity, we have been in operation since 2002, are self-funded and do not receive any financial assistance from the Government or Cancer Council SA. We rely entirely on donations from the community, fundraising events and the support of local business and Service Clubs.

Currently the Foundation maintains a “drop in” centre at Carrickalinga House which is staffed from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday allowing members of the community to call in, at any time, for information and support. The centre is staffed by trained volunteers, some of whom have experienced cancer first hand. Carrickalinga house is also home to our support groups which provide support and fellowship for local cancer sufferers. We also offer a number of support services, including a transport service which runs to Adelaide on a daily basis.

"Cancer Car" History

In 2005 it was noted that the Honda Foundation made substantial donations both financial and of vehicles to charitable organisations throughout Australia. Committee Member, Neil Wilkinson being a Honda owner, believed there was an opportunity for our Cancer Group to possibly be part of this system. An application was lodged to the Honda Foundation for $5,000 to assist in the building of a purpose-built display trailer and/or a vehicle and in April 2006 the SFCS Group were advised that it had been granted both the $5,000 and a loan vehicle, a Honda Odyssey for a 12 month period.

Thus started the Group’s Hospital Transport Service, as we know it today. Prior to this time our members were using their private vehicles to help transport their neighbours and others in need. Big things come from small beginnings.

At the end of the first 12 months the first vehicle was replaced with a new vehicle, which continued in service for a further 2 years. The combined distance travelled by these 2 vehicles was 140,000kms. At the end of the three years, the Honda Foundation advised that it would no longer continue to provide the loan vehicle so in January 2009 negotiations were commenced with the McIlroy Auto Group for the provision of a suitable vehicle for the continuation of the much needed service. Although a free vehicle could not be provided, with the generous support of those listed below the Cancer Support Group was then able to lease its own vehicle, a Mitsubishi Grandis and continue to provide the much needed hospital transport service.

McIlroy Auto Group
Mitsubishi Australia
Cancer Council South Australia
Roger Smith of Ray White Real Estate
Brenton Wortley of VIP Auto Care
Tony Gluyas of South Coast Signs
Leasing Finance through Matt Cousins of ANZ
Port Elliot CWA who provided lease payments for 6 months

Further down the track and due to the hard work of the incumbent President of our Group at that time, the Victor Harbor Rotary Club provided a Camry Altisse as a second vehicle at no cost to the Group.

Later the Mitsubishi Grandis was replaced with our first Hyundai iMax this along with the Camry Altisse meant that our ‘fleet’ had grown. So too, unfortunately, had the number of patients needing to be transported.

We were also fortunate at this time to have the support of Peter Toop in the form of loan vehicles when needed. Peter kindly provided this extra support until the closure of the Victor Rent-a-car business.

While Derek McIlroy had worked hard behind the scenes getting the best deals possible for our vehicles in 2015 McIlroy Auto Group came on board as an official sponsor.

With their amazing assistance we were able to trade-in the Camry Altisse for a Mitsubishi Outlander.

In September 2016 we traded our IMAX and purchased a new

7seater Hyundai MY15 TQ2 IMAX through McIlroy Auto Group.

In addition, thanks to the McIlroy Group we also gained a Mitsubishi

Outlander Hybrid, which was on loan to us as our third vehicle.

Derek and his team funded the costs associated with the supply of this vehicle apart from the day-to-day running costs.

We were so very fortunate to have them looking after us.

September 2018 brought some changes for us when Derek and Kirsty McIlroy sold the McIlroy Group in order to seek new challenges. We again have been very fortunate in that the new owners, Northpoint Fleurieu, have seamlessly carried on sponsorship.

In January 2019 Northpoint Fleurieu replaced the Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid with a brand new loan model.

The past and ongoing support that we have received is fantastic, we are truely grateful.

Two of our cars are garaged in the under-croft at Victor Central whilst the third vehicle is located at Elliot Gardens.

During 2014 the Government ceased to provide our passengers with a travel rebate which, until that time, had been available at a sum of $20 per journey. With this rebate no longer available we are now more than ever reliant on donations.

Our Transport Service which has developed into an essential community service, currently runs three vehicles daily, travelling to Adelaide to take local residents to and from major hospitals, treatment centres and clinics for cancer related treatment and appointments.

COMMITTEES

The FCSF Committee is elected for a period of 12 months at the AGM although casual vacancies may occur during the year. Committee meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 10 am - 12 noon. In the event of a public holiday, meetings will be held on the following Monday.

The Transport Sub Committee and the Fundraising Events Sub Committee are approved by the FCSF Committee to deal with specific needs and issues. Outcomes from these meetings are referred back to the Committee for approval, action or information as needed.

Current FCSF Committee Membership

Chairperson - Ian McCallum Secretary - Heather Burns

Ph: 8552 9549 Ph: 8552 9304

Mob: 0413 452 058 Mob: 0416 225 982

Email: ianjohmccallum@hotmail.com Email: heater@adam.com.au

Treasurer - Denise Blackeby

Ph: 8552 9304

Mob: 0437 294 929

Email: cancersupport@internode.on.net

Public Officer Publicity & Promotions

Lesley Hancox Ian McCallum

Ph: 8552 9304 Mob: 0413 452 058