The charity focuses solely on people within the Manning Valley community, ensuring all funds go to local cancer patients and their families.

Throughout the year the group organise a range of fundraising activities with their major event being the annual Can Assist Manning Valley Charity Black Tie Ball.

Last year's event raised an incredible $60,000.

On August 23 locals will don their best suits and gowns and head to Club Taree for a night of entertainment, food and community spirit.

Special guest artist and MC is the beautiful Rhonda Burchmore who will be backed by Ray Aldridge and his five-piece band.

Decor for the evening is 1920s so be prepared to step back in time from the moment you arrive.

Tickets are available from Club Taree at $85 per head, which includes dinner, dancing and a charity auction.

Other great fundraising initiatives Can Assist have been involved with throughout the year include a Can Assist Golden Slipper Race Day, a high tea, as well as Christmas and Easter raffles and most recently they were the beneficiaries of the Taree City Bulls Kristylea Bridge Cup day, played as part of the Group Three rugby league competition against the Wingham Tigers.

"We are also very lucky to have several groups undertaking fundraising events and donating proceeds to Can Assist Manning Valley," explained Can Assist's Leanne Newman.

Earlier in the year Can Assist held a community education event, 'Men's Health Forum - Let's Talk about Men's Health and Cancer' featuring presentations from top local medical professionals in the men's health field.

So far the group has been able to provide 60 financial assistance applications with funding for anything from mortgage payments, rent, accommodation, electricity, council rates, water rates, car registration and CTP, through to car repairs, pharmacy bills, food and fuel vouchers and they are constantly receiving requests for financial assistance from other locals experiencing financial difficulty after a diagnosis of cancer.

"As you can see, it is the very basic living expenses that cancer patients are struggling to pay," added Leanne.

"Our ongoing fundraising events are necessary in order for us to continue to provide this much needed financial assistance.''

For further information about Can Assist Manning Valley and to keep up-to-date with their fundraising activities head to their Facebook page - Can Assist Manning Valley Branch or call 0428 593 973.