Small steps make a remarkable difference – RRT Hawera supports the Annual Relay for Life event
Small steps can make a remarkable difference for people affected by cancer in our community and the Rapid Relief Team were delighted to do just that!
Our volunteers from Rapid Relief Team in Hawera were back on the ground again this year at TET Stadium, Inglewood on Saturday 27th March 2021, providing a helping hand to the Cancer Society in Taranaki at the annual Relay for Life event.
Relay for Life is an inspiring community experience that gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds to support the work of the Cancer Society.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and neither did the team batons as 49 dedicated team members who took turns walking (or running) around the track for the full 12 hours.
Soon after the 10am start, a hearty aroma of kiwi bbq started wafting through the tents of supporters. 18 RRT volunteers were only too happy to give up their time to show their support toward those affected by cancer.
On the menu, a summers burger, stacked with a nutritious beef patty, fresh hand chopped coleslaw and a secret burger sauce! And for those that fancy a dessert, pancakes with jam and cream and fresh fruit for the less sweet tooth!
RRT Hawera Team Leader Carl Prestidge said ‘Hearing the stories from survivors of cancer is what compels me to step in and do what we can to help these amazing, strong people reach their next goal or to do their bit to fight and beat cancer. If we could all learn from these families’ to value the simple things in life, friendship, love, and care we would all be better off for it.’
The weather was certainly in our favour, as the area filled with smiling faces, and picnic baskets as walkers and runners sporting colourful costumes made their way around the track lined with tents.
Fundraising and event co-ordinator Cassie Rowe said the day had been “incredible and indescribable”. “It’s been quite emotional to see everyone supporting each other and remembering those they have lost. We’ve all got someone we’re relaying for.”
At last count, the event had raised around $167,000 with Rowe saying they hoped the final tally would hit $200,000.
The funds would go towards cancer research, education and support services.
Letter of appreciation
Cassie Rowe
Fundraiser and Events Coordinator, Cancer society Taranaki Relay for Life
We absolutely loved having the RRT team there with us on Relay day.
Having Rapid Relief involved takes a huge amount of pressure of us as a Centre – holding an event like Relay is a mammoth task and the fact we’re able to ask your crew to feed 900 people still blows my mind. Nothing is a problem. The whole crew were so friendly, so lovely, and constantly smiling. It was great to be able to have a laugh with them all as we picked up our delicious meals.
Rapid Relief’s involvement means added value to our participants’ registrations. It means that the money we raise can be put back into our services to support those in our community living with cancer because our event costs are reduced– and as a result your involvement creates hope for those people and their whanau. And that’s something that we cannot put a price on.
Thank you Carl and the Rapid Relief Team. We can’t wait to work with you again the future.
