Taranaki’s Relay for Life virtually changing tack
Technology and will power are coming together to enable Taranaki’s Relay for Life fundraiser to go ahead despite Covid restrictions preventing its normal format.
‘‘We have had to change to a virtual event. We are calling it ‘relay your way’,’’ Taranaki Cancer Society fundraising and events co-ordinator Lisa Grigg said.
The event, which had been planned for March 26 at TET Stadium in Inglewood, is one of the society’s two main fundraisers and the Taranaki target for this year is to have 60 teams and raise $150,000.
Grigg hopes those planning to enter will still do so.
‘‘We are still fundraising as normal,’’ she said.
‘‘Our mission is still the same, but it will look different to usual.’’
The changed format means participants can choose what they do to participate, and when they do it.
‘‘People don’t have to walk for 12 hours; schools could do a ‘readathon’ or set up their own relay track, and people can participate as a team or as individuals.’’
The various ceremonies that mark a normal relay will be held online, with participants able to
‘‘Our mission is still the same, but it will look different to usual.’’ Lisa Grigg
join in with pre-submitted photos and videos, or hold their own.
There are also online competitions – a dance-off and Relay Idol – and the survivors’ lunch is still on, but it will be delivered, as packed lunches.
The event raises money for the society’s work in Taranaki, including support services, health promotion programmes and cancer research.
The event was cancelled in 2020 by the first Covid lockdown, but it was held in 2021.
However, the society’s other main fundraiser, Daffodil Day, was cancelled last year by the second lockdown, so it is important it can go ahead this time, Grigg said.
Participants can register at relayforlife.org.nz.