And $8000 has already been secured of that total, thanks to the Myrtleford Masonic Lodge.

Former master Phill Creek said the group had donated what was left in the bank to Hilltop as a "last hurrah".

"There has been a Masonic Lodge at Myrtleford for 107 years, but we've been battling to keep it going and came to the realisation we wouldn't have any young people join," he said.

"So one of the members made the call, we had a vote, and we've handed in our warrants and suspended the lodge.

"Should some young blokes come along, they could open it up again."

The members have joined other lodges but united one final time on Wednesday to hand over their donation to the centre.

In other news:

Almost all told their own stories of loved ones affected by cancer, including Mr Creek, who stayed in the centre recently with his wife while she underwent treatment.

"After a torrid day in the cancer centre, you can come here where it's quiet and relaxing, switch off," he said.

"Cancer is pretty prevalent and we've noticed from our area there's a fair few people coming over to use Hilltop, so we thought we'd give the money left to them."

The $8000 will cover the costs of fitting out one of the new rooms to be built in stage two.

A further 10 rooms will be added in the $3.4 million project.

Fight Cancer Foundation manager director Eric Wright said he was excited to see the vision for the extension roll out.

"The buildings will be connected by a glass walkway and the design will be quite a step up, with every room having a workable balcony," he said.

"The funding is coming along really well with the federal government giving $1.9 million.

"I think with what we've got committed we'll be going to the public for about $1 million

"We looked at what people had committed in stage one and what they indicated they would put to stage two, and I think it's achievable."