Care Shuttle

One of Umbrella's most recent initiatives, The Care Shuttle, helps cancer patients access vital treatment at Albany Hospital and Genesis Care when transportation is a challenge.

The idea for The Care Shuttle came from Mary Williams, who, in 2017, began fundraising—alongside the Denmark Community Foundation Inc—for a Radiation Therapy Machine in Albany. This effort led to a $6.6 million commitment from the Federal Government, followed by $13.2 million from the WA Government, making local radiation treatment a reality and eliminating the need for patients to travel to Perth.

With the machine now fully funded, the $40,000+ raised by Mary was redirected to another pressing need: patient transport. Many patients struggled to reach appointments, so Mary proposed using the funds to purchase a transport vehicle. She and her team approached UGGS, and The Care Shuttle Project was born. Mary continues her involvement as a UGGS Board Member.

The first Care Shuttle will be operational by the end of May, and UGGS hopes to expand the service into a fleet of shuttles across the Great Southern, ensuring no patient misses treatment due to lack of transport.

There are many ways to support The Care Shuttle and other UGGS programs. Attend an event, become a member, or volunteer—especially if you’d like to help as a shuttle driver. Your time and support help make services like this possible. 

From health care access to education and community support, UGGS runs a variety of programs to help those in need. The Care Shuttle is one of our flagship initiatives, dedicated to removing barriers so that every patient has a fair chance at receiving life-saving treatment. 

We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the community, but we still have a long way to go. Your donation plays a crucial role in keeping The Care Shuttle in operation and helps UGGS continue to make a difference in the lives of people and families in our area. Every dollar you give goes directly to helping those in need within our community. Thank you for your generosity!

With the launch of The Care Shuttle, UGGS is making it easier for cancer patients to get the care they need, right here in the Great Southern. Our long-term vision is to grow the shuttle service and continue tackling transportation barriers for those facing health challenges. 

Have questions or want to support The Care Shuttle? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch today and help us create a more connected, supportive community.