FAQs

Can Do the Distance is a virtual fundraising challenge that raises both awareness and vital funds for people affected by cancer in country NSW.

As an individual or part of a team, you'll set your own distance goal and complete it throughout August. Every kilometre you walk or run represents the distance many country cancer patients travel to access treatment, helping shine a light on the challenges they face while raising funds to support them.

There's no set distance, just a commitment to get moving and make every kilometre count. Sign up today and help change the lives of country cancer patients and their families, one step at a time.

Can Do the Distance Challenge takes place from 1st to 31st August 2026.

Can Do the Distance is wherever you are! This virtual challenge lets you participate from any location.

If you're in the country... Walk around your property, stroll up the main street of your town, trek across a paddock or explore a local trail. Do it solo or bring the whole crew - Family, friends, the cattle dog or horse.

If you're in the city... Walk to work, explore a new neighbourhood, hit your local park or clock up steps on your lunch break. Go solo, grab a friend, or rope in a colleague

For country cancer patients in NSW, distance is not a choice, it's a reality. Many people in rural and regional NSW must travel considerable distances just to access cancer diagnosis and treatment. Can Assist exists to help ease that financial burden. Think about the rising cost of petrol, the need for new tyres, the nights away from home when treatment runs late, or the sick leave that runs out long before treatment ends.

Can Assist is a not-for-profit charity established in 1955 to bridge the gap between city and country cancer patients. For over 71 years, we have worked hard to ensure that patients across country NSW have equitable access to cancer treatment and care, providing financial assistance, practical support and raising awareness across rural and regional communities. With 3,000 volunteers and over 57 branches across NSW, we are committed to making the journey with cancer easier for rural and regional communities. Can Do the Distance is Can Assist's annual fundraising campaign, created to raise awareness and vital funds that help ease the financial burden faced by country

Registration is free! We believe everyone should have the opportunity to make a difference, without financial barriers standing in the way. The more people who join, the greater the impact we can make for country cancer patients across NSW.

One of the most effective ways to kick off your fundraising is to start by donating to yourself. It shows your community that you are personally committed to the cause and makes it much easier to ask others to follow your lead.

Absolutely — we highly encourage it!

Forming a team is not only a lot of fun, but it also adds an extra layer of motivation. When you tackle the challenge together, you’ll help each other push through every step and celebrate every milestone!

It’s also a fantastic way to combine fitness with socialising! Instead of choosing between exercise and catching up with friends or colleagues, you can do both at once.

When you register, you can create a team for your friends, family, or workplace — or join an existing one. Once your page is live, invite others to join you, and let’s make a real impact together!

Every dollar you raise directly supports country people affected by cancer across NSW.

Many patients face the added burden of travelling long distances for treatment. The funds you raise help ease the financial pressure by assisting with:

• Travel costs

• Accommodation

• Utility bills

• Medical and pharmaceutical expenses

Your fundraising helps patients and their families focus on what matters most—their treatment and recovery, not the cost of accessing care.

If you're fundraising:
When you register, you'll select the Can Assist branch you'd like to support. Every dollar you raise will go directly to that branch, helping local cancer patients and their families in that community.

If you're donating to a fundraiser:
Your donation goes directly to the Can Assist branch the fundraiser has chosen to support.

If you're donating directly to Can Do the Distance:
Your donation supports Can Assist's General Fund, helping country cancer patients and their families in areas without a local branch, or where additional support is needed across regional, rural and remote NSW.

No, there isn’t a minimum that you have to raise, but we ask you to raise as much as you can. The more money raised means we can help more people with costs associated with their cancer treatment.

The number one reason people donate to charities is because they were asked. So don’t hesitate — ask for support! Every time you reach out, you’re giving others the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of country cancer patients. Together, we can achieve something incredible.

No cash can be accepted by the fundraising platform. If you receive cash, then donate the amount to your fundraising page. Please note that cash donations cannot be issued a tax deductible receipt. If your donor requires a tax receipt, please direct them to donate directly through your fundraising page.

Yes, as Can Assist is registered as a tax-deductible charity, all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

A Fundraising Page is your personal online fundraiser, where you can raise money for Can Assist. Simply share the link with friends and family, and they can easily donate to support your cause. It’s a dedicated space where you can inspire others to contribute and help make a difference for country cancer patients in NSW.

Every share counts! Here are some simple ways to get more eyes on your page and inspire more donations:

Share on social media — post on Facebook and Instagram with a personal message about why you are taking part. Don't forget LinkedIn to reach your colleagues and professional network.

Make it personal — tell your story. People donate to people, not pages. Share why this cause matters to you and the difference it makes for country cancer patients in NSW.

Donate to yourself first — it shows your community you are personally committed and makes it much easier to ask others to follow your lead.

Ask directly — send a personal message to friends and family with your page link. The number one reason people donate is simply because they were asked.

Keep people updated — post your progress as you go and tag us! Celebrating milestones keeps your supporters engaged and often encourages more donations.

Absolutely! Your donors become part of a fantastic community, and their names will be proudly displayed on your page. It’s a beautiful way to showcase the power of giving and celebrate your support. And every time someone donates, you and Can Assist will get a special notification — because every contribution deserves to be celebrated.

Yes, anyone who donates to your Fundraising Page will automatically get a tax-deductible receipt emailed to them. You do not have to worry about sending out any receipts.