Starting with a collection in local hotels tonight in Orange, Bathurst, Lake Cargelligo, Condobolin, Wellington, Forbes, Blayney, Grenfell, Canowindra, and at special events which include Cargo and Cudal, “Coins for Cancer” is aimed at raising $18,000 in just one weekend.

Chairman of Cancer Care Western NSW John Carpenter said following this weekend’s major event across the region and a soon-to-be announced site within Bloomfield Hospital grounds, the organisation should be in a position to start preparing a grant application for government funding to assist with the project.

Tonight members of Orange Daybreak Rotary Club will conduct a pub collection with the permission of local licencees.

“Orange publicans have embraced the cause and have encouraged the project,” said Mr Carpenter.

Tomorrow morning in Summer Street, between the Post Office and Anson Street, Orange North Rotary Club is asking shoppers to lay down a gold coin on the line provided to boost the fundraising effort.

Orange specialist and Cancer Care Western NSW committee member Dr Peter Bilenkij came up with the novel idea of “Coins for Cancer” in a way that would bring a united approach from cities, towns and villages across the central west.