General News
20 January, 2024
Relay celebrates 21st year
WARRNAMBOOL sisters Jodie Carey and Emily Veale are hoping to see a large crowd at Deakin University for next month’s Relay for Life.
Celebrating survivors, remembering loved ones lost and fighting back against cancer, the annual Relay for Life is a fun experience that unites a community while raising funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.
To date, Warrnambool participants have already raised almost $29,000 towards this year’s $50,000 target.
“We (the Warrnambool event) is now in its 21st year and we’re planning a big celebration at our relay on February 17,” Jodie said.
“People can participate either on their own or in a team so we’re hoping local schools, clubs, teams and organisations will join us and help create awareness and funds.”
Jodie, Emily and their family will be walking for their beloved mum who sadly lost her battle to cancer 11 years ago.
“Our team name is Heather’s Heroes; our husbands, children, family and friends are always keen to walk which would make mum proud,” Emily said.
The sisters and other volunteers are currently busy planning a full day/evening of celebrations, activities and events set to entertain participants and visitors.
This will include kids’ activities, PhysiPole demonstrations, face painting, ball games, an on-site masseuse, coffee van and live entertainment.
Participants are encouraged to take along a can of food that will be used to hold candles for the special candlelight ceremony later in the night.
The tins will then be donated to Foodshare for distribution to needy families across the district.
“We will have a special opening lap for survivors and carers, as well as an afternoon tea for them, and at about 8pm we will stop walking and have the candlelight ceremony.
“We’re expecting the walk to finish around 10pm when teams will gather for the closing address and final lap.”
The Warrnambool event will run from 12 noon until 10.30pm at Deakin University on Saturday, February 17.
Those wishing to participate can register online and select Warrnambool as their venue.
