Cancer Society calls on supporters to stay the course and Relay Your Way

Last week, the Cancer Society of New Zealand announces an alternative to traditional Relay For Life events. It comes after Covid forced the cancellation of the organisation’s iconic street collection on Daffodil Day in August.

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A fun more flexible ‘Relay Your Way’ will now replace the festival style gathering Relay For Life event which was to be held at the ILT Stadium Southland on Saturday, 26 February 2022.

Cancer Society of New Zealand Chief Executive Lucy Elwood: “Covid continues to ruin all of our best-laid plans. However, we have quickly adapted and are making the most of it. This year, we will walk apart, but not alone in Relay Your Way.”

The Cancer Society will launch an easy-to-follow video that will guide supporters through the parts of Relay For Life everyone loves the most but in the safety of a space of people’s choice. There will be team packs available and some great prizes for individuals and teams.

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“We know that Relay For Life is a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers and remember loved ones lost to cancer for many people. We hope that people across Aotearoa New Zealand will participate in Relay Your Way this year and run, walk, or even dance laps with our online guide to support people affected by cancer,” says Lucy Elwood.

The Invercargill’s Relay For Life’s Major Partner, Mitre 10 MEGA are committed to helping promote ‘Relay Your Way’. General Manager, Tracy Key is encouraging the community to get involved to help fundraise $130,000, so the Cancer Society can help more people affected by cancer.”

The funds raised through Relay For Life are essential in helping cancer patients and their whānau get the care and practical support they need: from safe transport to treatment, through to specialist nursing and psychology support, and accommodation for those travelling for treatment. Supporters also help fund ground-breaking cancer research and vital prevention programmes.

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On average, in New Zealand, Relay For Life raises around 2 million dollars to fund these crucial services, with the Dunedin Relay For Life historically raising $150,000. Therefore, the Cancer Society asks supporters to stay the course and participate in Relay Your Way.

Gareth Mentzer is going to walk 12 hours and is trying to raise $5,000.

“The Cancer Society is a great organisation that helps so many people, and just because Covid is here, it doesn’t mean that people stop getting cancer. I want to do my bit to help and give back. I am going to throw a gazebo up on the front lawn and walk the neighbourhood. Hopefully, the neighbours cheer me on, and the family will step in for me when I need a toilet break,” says Gareth Mentzer.

Otago and Southland’s Cancer Society Chief Executive, Dr Rachael Hart, said, “in what feels like a devastating sense of déjà vu, our Relay For Life events have been impacted again. We encourage people to create their own ‘Relay Your Way’ event and to keep their Relay baton moving during their event to symbolise an unstoppable fight against cancer.”

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There will also be a Paint the Town Purple campaign the first week of March, encouraging purple everywhere in the community to promote ‘Relay Your Way’. Schools, businesses, and shops can register to be part of this competition and win prizes by registering at relayforlife.org.nz/southland.

The Cancer Society would like to encourage businesses, schools, clubs, and the community to create their own Relay Your Way event. The event could include teams of any size just doing something they are passionate about and enjoying themselves as they do it.

Let’s do something remarkable together! To sign up and make a difference for those affected by cancer visit, www.relayforlife.org.nz

Relay Your Way Replaces Relay For Life

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