Today more than 200 people have received help, over $200,000 worth of funding has been raised and around $10,000 is invested into the community monthly.

But founding member Cheryl Scorgie said it was slow going at the start.

“Once we got it started, it took about two to three years for people to come to us to accept money,” she said.

She said once people realised the money was coming from the community and was raised for the community things started to improve.

“That’s what we have always tried to get out to people, the fact that it is their money going back into Yass.”

The first $20,000 of funding was collected  just six weeks after Yass Can Assist was formed and the organisation has gone from strength to strength ever since.

She said being part of the Yass Can Assist committee could be stressful at times but the results made it worthwhile.

“Making Can Assist work has been more than worth it…we’ve helped a hell of a lot of families in this town.”

The group meets once a month at the Goodrabidgee Shire Hall where they discuss fundraising activities and make decisions on where money is to be sent.

They have a liaison officer that meets with patients regularly.

“We can not approach patients, people have got to approach us for help,” Mrs Scorgie explained.

She said she has been blown away by how far the not-for-profit group has come.

“It’s been absolutely unbelievable.

“It’s very stressful, because we are sitting down and talking about people's lives so it’s not a fun thing, so to stick it out and continue to thrive is great.

“Some nights you come home and you are just so drained but you’re helping people and that’s what makes it so worth it.”

Geoff Frost is currently president and Mrs Scorgie has high hopes for the group’s future.

“Everyone in town knows us, sporting groups, clubs and organisers are coming to us and that is great.”

Walk the Bowning Hill is the next big fundraising activity for Can Assist and that takes place on Saturday May 10.