Relay to still step it out, virtually
CAIRNS Relay for Life is down but not out – with organisers planning a statewide “virtual” event that could be beamed across Queensland.
Having raised more than $7 million for Cancer Council Queensland since 2001, the 20th anniversary walkathon was due to be held on the weekend of October 10-11.
Now it has been bumped off the track for the first time in 20 years because of lingering uncertainty over COVID-19.
“I was absolutely devastated,” said Cairns Relay chairwoman Christina French, who has participated in every relay since 2001.
“I was completely against (going) virtual to begin with, but now I’m excited. We’re trying something different and it looks like we’ll be hosting the statewide virtual event.
“It’s going to be an opportunity to showcase the region and encourage people to visit.”
Ms French said the Relay was a beacon of hope to many and a vital fundraiser for the Cancer Council, so it was imperative it went ahead.
“The reality is that cancer doesn’t stop, so neither should we,” she said.
Sixty-three teams and 254 people have already registered with $17,629 of the $220,000 target already in the bag.
“We still want the teams to get together. We want people to dress up, to do their banners and batons, but we’re bringing Relay to them in their homes and in their neighbourhoods.
“We want to do pre-arranged live crosses so people can watch the livestream while walking around their neighbourhood.”
Ms French said the committee and production team were likely to be based at Barlow Park during the event.
“We might be able to invite the top 10 teams to Barlow Park with us.”
She said surveys revealed many were now reluctant to attend large organised events.
“We didn’t want to spend all this money for people not to show up. Instead, we’re trying something different and the money we would have spent goes to those that really need it – our local cancer sufferers and their families.
“Next year we’ll be back without a doubt. I’m going to make sure of it.”
Ms French did her first Relay in 2001 with her mother, who was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time.
“She passed away in February 2002 and that year I did it in her honour. I’ve done it ever since. Relay is my baby.”
Call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.relayforlife.org.au
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