Cancer Society of New Zealand

Media Release

The Clive Community Hall was awash in purple on Wednesday night for the launch of the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society Relay For Life. 

 “The main purpose of the launch was to ignite the Relay for Life 2012 event fever and highlight that we are open for registrations.  People like to book their preferred tent site and start their fundraising early,” said Kay Collins, the Hawke’s Bay Relay For Life Committee chairperson.

 The Hawke’s Bay 2012 Relay will be held again at Farndon Park Clive on March 3^rd and 4^th.  Relay for Life is an international fundraiser for cancer societies in more than 30 different countries.  It is a non competitive relay that involves teams that must have representatives walk around a track for 24 hours.  The event typically starts at 12 noon on Saturday, going right through the night and finishing at 12 noon on Sunday.

 Kay Collins acknowledged the consistent contribution from the event sponsors over the 8 years.  Our local sponsors, Property Brokers, New World - Greenmeadows, Heaven’s Bakery, HB Today, Classic Hits 89.5, Ngatarawa Wines, Suzelle Lingerie, and 4Life, have mostly been sponsors from the beginning  “Each of our sponsors have clearly made a decision to help fight back against cancer and have committed themselves to work with the cancer society.  As a member of this community I commend the social responsibility that they demonstrate in doing this” Mrs Collins said.

A highlight of the launch was a PowerPoint presentation made up of slides from last years event which explained to newcomers about Relay and it was an opportunity for those that Relayed in 2011 to relive the 24 hours.

Tania Thomson, a cancer survivor spoke about her experiences and the assistance she had received from the Cancer Society during her treatment.  She reminded everyone of the difference this made, she said, “the fundraising that you're about to do helps people like me get the help I so desperately needed with the small things that become so important! When you've been walking for ages & you are starting to tire, try to remember what I've shared with you today & I hope it inspires you all to dig deeper & carry on just like I had too. So it's like this, if you & your team get out there & walk for life, and I keep fighting for it, I reckon we'll all be happy & fufilled.”

 Tania’s eight year old son also spoke about how he helped his mother during her treatment.

 David Trim, the Event Manager explained "why Relay For Life". “It’s not just a fundraising event, it is an important occasion where we can come together as a community to honour and celebrate survivors, remember those who have been lost to cancer, and fightback to make a difference for the future.”

 At the end of the evening there were 35 teams registered.  David said “This was a great start with the goal to achieve 100 teams.”

 The evening ended with lucky team draws that took away $1000.00 in total of kick start fundraising money.

To register a team or find out more contact Susan on (06) 876 7638 or email susan@cancerhb.org.nz.