This is one that’s managed to become close to my heart.
Relay for Life is a worldwide event, started relatively recently, that has grown, in Australia especially, to be an enormous source of funds for the cancer Council.
In 2006, while I was working at another community newspaper, I first heard about Relay for Life. Because the management of the newspaper had their own personal experiences with cancer, RFL became a cause that they enthusiastically embraced. Good work was done, much needed funds were raised for the fight against cancer and I’d like to think that some people’s lives were directly, positively impacted by the efforts of all involved.
Not long after I joined Fairfax Community Newspapers, a delegation from the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life approached the Leader for support for the 2007 event. We readily agreed and the work began. Long story short – the 2006 Relay raised $164,000 – in 2007 the funds raised reached $280,000. The Committee agreed that the Leader’s involvement was a major contributing factor and the relationship was henceforth set in stone.
Relay for Life began in the USA in 1985, so it’s a relatively young event and it’s grown worldwide being held in 21 countries. The Sutherland Shire Relay for Life (there isn’t one in the St George region and the Shire people welcome those from St George with open arms and hearts) is now the biggest in NSW. It’s only been going for 10 years.
Every year’s results have exceeded expectations and targets. The 2011 Relay raised $654,000 and, importantly, more and more local businesses and organisations have either become involved or have increased their level of support. The first Saturday and Sunday in May see an army of volunteers and works descend on the Sylvania Athletics track and it’s a credit to the organising committee that the event goes like clockwork – rain, hail or shine!
Last years event was hit by miserable weather conditions and the only thing not dampened was the enthusiasm of all of those in attendance. Of course, most of the funds are raised in the weeks and months leading up to the event.
This year, the Leader has been able to increase their support as well. Thanks to the support for Relay for Life from the advertisers in the section, the Leader has published an 8 page wrap for the event. The story of the 2012 Relay is here. http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/come-help-celebrate-our-community-spirit/2542348.aspx
This weekend will be the third year that Johnny and I have judged the ‘Best Table Setting” at the Relay banquet. It’s basically a big picnic and relayers are encouraged to decorate their tables with a team (or any other!) theme. Johnny’s the expert, I provide the comic relief!
Two years ago, when we made the winner’s announcement, the Chairman Rod Coy asked me the same question he asks everyone at the event; “Who are you relaying for?” because I’d lost an uncle, a cousin and second cousin in the past – three generations of the same family – to cancer, my answer was easy and I’d always added that this terrible illness touched almost very family in some way.
Jump forward to may 2011 and I’d returned only a few days before from Uncle Alan’s funeral, while my brother-in-law Bill Mansfield had passed away in February, both from cancer. Needless to say, when asked:” Who are you relaying for Trevor?” I had a completely different answer.
This weekend, I’ll be there along with thousands of others, doing my very small part to help raise funds. Johnny will be there on Saturday evening, judging the contest again and, of course, adding colour and flair to the event
I can’t think of a better example of a community coming together to help others. If you’re reading this from somewhere else in Australia or the World, get behind your local Relay, if you haven’t already done so.
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