AU – Bendigo Relay for Life Raises Thousands for the Cancer Council

Relay for Life is held every year by the Cancer Council to raise funds for cancer research. This is the 16th year that the Relay has been held in Bendigo and close to $3,000 000 has been raised through these events. Nationally this event has raised over $23,000 000 since its inception! Teams are organised and registered to participate, and each team is responsible to collect sponsorships.

The motto for this event was “Hope Lives Here” which was very apt for the purpose of the fundraiser. It was a 21 hour event, with the very enthusiastic team members walking right through the night. One very dedicated individual had only 10 minutes sleep sitting up in a chair. Most people participate to remember a loved one lost to cancer, or to show support for a loved one currently fighting a battle against cancer, or simply to show support for this very worthy and needy cause.

Bendigo usually enjoys fine weather in April, but this year the rain started the day before the event began! This didn’t dampen the energetic spirits of the participants, in fact, the presence of umbrellas and see-through raincoats seemed to add to the fun. “There’s been too much dust in Central Vic to complain about the rain” was a comment made which highlighted the positive, up-beat vibe of all involved. There was a strong sense of community support and a spirit of comradeship throughout the event.

RRT was included to help with setting up the venue and pack-down once the Relay was completed. Tasks included setting up of marquees, hanging banners, general clean-up and returning hired equipment. This was very well received by the Chair Manager of Bendigo Relay for Life Committee who was impressed with the professionalism that RRT has to offer. He was overwhelmed by the willingness of the RRT to do whatever needed to be done at the time.

This year a grand figure of over $98 000 was raised by the Bendigo 2015 Relay for Life. RRT saw this event as a wonderful opportunity to  support the local community for those in need.