A Bunbury centre which helps hundreds of people every year is calling on the community this May for donations to keep the lights on.
Solaris Cancer Care currently supports more than 200 South-West clients and their families cope with the mental and physical side-effects of cancer.
The Bunbury centre is one of several operating across the state as WA's leading cancer support provider and is calling on the generosity of the community to raise funds and awareness during its May we Thrive campaign.
Manager Doreen Martin said last years campaign had helped to get the centre back on their feet.
"It's important because without the campaign and funding we wouldn't be able to offer what we do," she said.
"We're ok but we need the constant fundraising in order to keep the services going."
Ms Martin said the risk of having to close was always there, which was why donations and fundraising was so important.
"The centre relies on more than 40 volunteers to keep the centre going from gardeners to therapists," she said.
Client Susan Unwin said everyone at the centre was so compassionate.
"That makes you feel really good to have such lovely people around you," she said.
"It gives such value to the community, not only to the people that have cancer but to their support people as well.
"When you're able to interact with people who have gone through the same thing, you realise you're not alone and that is quite powerful."
Mandy Roney said due to the type of incurable cancer she has she was increasing her use of the centre.
"I can't even contemplate not having this centre to come to, that's how important it is to me," she said.
"Once you know it is here, you really rely on it.
"There is no government funding and it is a free service so it has to rely on fundraising."
Volunteer and former client Kate Heaslip described the centre as a safe-haven.
"The support stays local and that's wonderful - the warmth you receive when you come here is genuine," she said.
To donate visit solaristhrive.com.au.
For more information visit solariscancercare.org.au.