Above: From left: Gwen McKinnon, Dianne Gething, and Ian McKinnon at the launch.By Jim Mynard
EMOTIONS ran a little high at times, hope was paramount, and everyone was ready to ensure next year’s Casey Cardinia Relay for Life (CCRL) is the best yet.
These things were apparent as about 50 people gathered to launch the next CCRL event to be held at Akoonah Park, Berwick, on the first weekend of March.
Organisers have set the scene to raise $100,000 for cancer research at the event.
Co-chair manager Natalie Livsay set the scene for a big effort when she handed out a challenge to relay runners to go out and collect $100,000, about as much as the first three events raised.
No one said they couldn’t do that.
Ms Livsay said enormous support for the Cancer Council-event was coming from the southeast region and some great teams registered for last year’s event.
Co-chair manager Deborah Ditchburn said the relay was a memorable activity filled with fun, laughter and tears.
“We adopt a festival atmosphere involving all ages, and all sectors of the community come together to celebrate life,” she said.
The relay is conducted non-stop over 24 hours during the weekend.
Cancer survivors and their carers start the relay by taking the first lap.
As night falls, hundreds of candles burning in brown paper bags create a surreal atmosphere around the oval.
Each bag has a message to someone lost to cancer.
Further information about joining the relay is available from Deborah Ditchburn on 04 1285 0257.
