HIGH HOPES: OTIS Foundation chairman Andrew Barling and Bendigo builder Paul Gray. Picture: BRENDAN McCARTHY
Three rural properties are being considered for a new retreat for breast cancer sufferers and their families.
The Otis Foundation called for potential land donors in November last year after a local builder offered his materials and services to build the retreat free of charge.
The Bendigo Advertiser featured the call for help on page 1.
Otis general manager Kristen Simpson said the foundation had received a great response with three potential offers now being explored.
Ms Simpson said all three properties were in rural locations within 30 minutes’ drive of Bendigo.
“I will catch up with all these generous people over the next few weeks,” she said.
“Our next board meeting is in early February and we will consider which is the most appropriate and make an official decision then.”
Ms Simpson said issues with planning permits and council zoning meant not all of the offers would be suitable.
But she said the foundation was “delighted” with the support. “It’s very exciting there are the opportunities there,” she said. “We just have to work through the hurdles.
“And we’ve already had other people offering to donate other goods and services for the retreat.”
Otis has been running since 2000, and now has 14 retreats across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
The foundation’s newest property is a “labour of love” for Bendigo builder Paul Gray whose wife Kerri died from breast cancer in 2011.