Hope Lives Here – Everything You Should Know About Relay For Life

Relay for Life is a community fundraising event where people of all walks of life can come together to raise donations for cancer patients. Unlike other fundraising events, Relay for Life is organised on a local level by local people, who for personal reasons are extremely passionate about contributing to the fight against cancer. Local fundraisers create these events to bring together friends, families, neighbours and colleagues of people who are battling or have battled cancer. All of this to celebrate their stories together in unison.

These people band together to form relay teams to take part in the overnight event and raise vital funds for cancer patients. These groups of people take it in turns to walk around a walking track to signify the ongoing battle people have with cancer. And that like cancer, the fight for a cure can never rest.

According to Cancer Council, the organisation behind Relay for Life; “The event brings communities together to celebrate survivors and recognise the unsung heroes – their carers. We honour those we’ve lost during our candlelight ceremony, and we continue to raise funds to support people affected by cancer, fund research and prevention programs.”

There are a number of ways people all around Australia can get involved with Cancer Council’s Relay for Life.

Become a team leader.
Head to their website and pledge your support by signing up to join the relay. By becoming a team leader you will agree to lead a team of people to participate and fundraise for your event. This team can be made up of your friends, family, colleagues or members of your local community – everyone’s welcome. All you’ll need are people willing to join you and help raise vital funds for cancer patients.

Join an existing team.
The community at Relay for Life are welcoming of all new members therefore if it is your first time at Relay for Life and leadership is not your strong suit you may prefer to sign up as an individual and join someone else’s team or group. This option can be the perfect way to get started and join the movement and don’t worry you will be welcomed with open arms.

Join as a volunteer or sponsor.
If starting a team or joining a team is not possible, don’t worry there are lots of other ways to show your support. You can pledge your time and help facilitate the relay, making sure the day runs as smoothly as possible for all those involved.

Another option is sponsoring an event, this option is particularly popular for corporates who want to show their support in a different way. Sponsoring local events is a great way to give something back to your community.

If you are a survivor or a carer of someone who has or is battling cancer, Relay for Life has a special place for you. You are the ‘unsung heroes’ and can participate in the relay by either joining the walk, or joining your community for a lap of honour. If you would like to participate, contact your local Relay for Life, as you can be a guest of honour and help spur on the community as they take the Relay for Life challenge.

At night, an evening vigil is held by candlelight to remember the people we have loved and lost to cancer. The ceremony is a heartfelt affair and one which the community wishes will bring hope into the lives of many though joint action against cancer.

If you would like to register to join your local community in the fight against cancer, or donate to a local team or group, search Relay for Life and head to the Cancer Council’s website for more details.