Relay aids cancer society
It’s time to round up your friends, family and workmates for the Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Hamilton.
This iconic charity walk is now open for team registrations and the Cancer Society is encouraging people to register their team now.
Relay For Life is open to anyone in the community, with teams coming from across the Waikato to participate.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Cancer Society spokesperson Rachael Mounsey said teams came from all walks of life, including friends and family, businesses, schools and community groups.
‘‘It is one of the great things about Relay For Life,’’ Ms Mounsey said.
‘‘This event brings people from all different walks of life together to support a common cause and have a really fun weekend. It’s an event that anyone can enjoy.’’
There is also a competitive aspect with prizes for to the top fundraising teams.
‘‘At the 2013 event, Hamilton team knACCkered won the Davidson Shield by raising over $14,000 for the Cancer Society and a team from St Peters, Cambridge won the Westside Kiwanis prize,’’ Ms Mounsey said.
‘‘It’ll be interesting to see who takes home the 2014 shields. We have a couple of teams registered from competing real estate firms and a number of high school teams interested so the competition looks like it’s heating up.’’
Relay For Life is the Cancer Society’s second biggest fundraiser, after Daffodil Day. As a charitable organisation that does not receive direct government funding, the Cancer Society relies on the support of the community to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, whanau and friends, fund cancer research and provide the public with information on the ways to reduce the risk of cancer through living a smokefree, SunSmart, healthy lifestyle.
‘‘While the Cancer Society relies on the funds raised from Relay For Life, there is more to relay than fundraising,’’ Ms Mounsey said.
‘‘One in three New Zealanders are affected by cancer and Relay For Life is a chance for people to acknowledge how cancer has affected their lives.’’