The stall was cancelled on September 25 due to strong winds but will be up and going in Corbett Plaza today, September 26, from 10am.

CanAssist Southern Highlands president Jenny Harper OAM stood down volunteers just after 6.00am on September 25, as average wind speeds of 55km/hr were recorded, along with forecast gusts up to 90km/hr.

"The safety of volunteers and the public alike is paramount," she said.

"While we are deeply disappointed that the weather has interrupted this vital fundraising effort, the Bureau forecast for Sunday has winds down to 15km average.

"We will be out there on Sunday morning and look forward to welcoming Bowral residents and visitors, supporting Can Assist's fundraising efforts for Highlands cancer patients."

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A charity that has long supported Highlanders with a cancer diagnosis is looking to the community for support.

Can Assist will hold a special fundraiser in Bowral over the weekend of September 26 and 27 in an effort to boost coffers to continue support for cancer patients in the region.

The Southern Highlands Branch of the Cancer Assistance Network (Can Assist) will be running a fundraising merchandise stall in the Corbett Plaza area of Wingecarribee Street, adjacent to Bong Bong Street in Bowral, between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm.

Branch president Jennifer Harper OAM said that likke most charities, Covid restrictions had prevented the normal fundraising events and meetings this year.

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"So, Can Assist Southern Highlands Branch has assembled some exclusive high quality gift merchandise to raise funds to help us continue our work, supporting local cancer patients with some of their expenses incurred during treatment," she said.

The various items have been created with the support of local artists and artisans.

They include fine artworks by Wildes Meadow botanical artist Elaine Musgrave, candle tulip ceramic pots by Paige Phillips, soy wax candles by Zoe Waters, 2021 calendars, gift cards, floral tea towels and more.

There is also a raffle for a superb queen-sized handmade quilt, kindly donated by Ms Carla Bosch of the Southern Highlands Quilters Guild.

Despite the cancellation of the annual Tulip Time Festival itself, Corbett Gardens nonetheless has several splendid borders filled with spring flowers.

Tulips are prominently in evidence in a wonderful, colourful display. 100 metres from the gardens into town will bring visitors directly to the Can Assist gift stall.

"The types of items we have assembled are all premium quality, all unique to this Can Assist venue," Ms Harper said.

"It's the first time we have created such items. With so many other vital fundraising avenues closed by Covid we need to try new things that are safe for people to participate in and provide a unique connection to the Highlands.

"Thanks to the generosity of many of the artists and artisans who have created these items, they make for great, reasonably priced Christmas gifts.

"At this point this stall will be the only place people can secure them, so a visit is really worthwhile and may solve your holiday gift decisions at a single venue."

The staffing is entirely by local Can Assist members and volunteers. The branch has no paid employees.

All funds raised from the weekend sale will go directly to continue Can Assist's Southern Highland support for local cancer patients.

At present Can Assist Southern Highlands is supporting 175 patients.

During the last 2019-2020 financial year Can Assist Southern Highlands had 1050 episodes of financial assistance to support local cancer patients during their period of treatment.

While the merchandise stall has broad appeal, donations can also be made, or questions about Can Assist's work in the Highlands community can be answered.

The Southern Highlands Branch is one of 55 throughout NSW.

The Cancer Patients' Assistance Society of NSW (CPAS) is a registered charity and all donations above $2.00 are tax deductable.

2020 is the 60th anniversary year of the Southern Highlands branch, an organisation that has touched the lives of thousands of Highlands families.

Can Assist was founded in 1955 and only operates for the benefit of NSW country cancer patients.

To ensure this vital support for local cancer patients in the coming year can match the level provided this year, Can Assist seeks community support and hopes to meet many local residents and visitors over the weekend.

Visitors to Moss Vale can also help Can Assist this weekend, by visiting the Blue Square Art Competition Exhibition, running at the ArtHead Gallery at 284 Argyle Street, Moss Vale.

The exhibition has already raised over $2700 for Can Assist Southern Highlands Branch through entries and donations.

Exhibition hours are between 10.00am and 2.00pm this Saturday and Sunday.

COVIDSafe entry conditions apply, with a limit of 14 visitors at any one time.

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