Following positive feedback from teams involved in 2018, the event will return to the Caledonian Ground at Logan Park on March 28 and 29, 2020.
Stepping up to organise her first Dunedin Relay for Life in 2020 is Cancer Society Otago & Southland events and community campaigns team leader Tracey Fleet.
Having been involved in the Otago Students Relay for Life, and the Queenstown and Wanaka events earlier this year, Ms Fleet has had a taste of the joyful, supportive atmosphere of the popular events.
"The atmosphere of the Relay for Life is fantastic - each one was a very cool experience,'' she said.
Ms Fleet has held the events and community campaigns role since May last year, and has already been involved in multiple fundraising events for the Cancer Society.
Among them were the Student Relay, which raised more than $100,000, and the Runway for Life fashion parade, which raised more than $10,000.
"The support we get from the community is wonderful,'' she said.
While running such a large event as the Dunedin Relay for Life is a daunting prospect, Ms Fleet will have the support of a stable and experienced organising committee, along with dozens of volunteers at the event itself.
"The Relay for Life is so well established now that it has become a part of the fabric of the city, which is very special,'' Ms Fleet said.
The 2018 Dunedin Relay for Life, also held at the Caledonian Ground, involved 1300 people and raised $175,000 for the Cancer Society.
"Some teams have done it year in and year out since it first began and are already planning for next year, which is fantastic.''
Like most people involved in the Relay for Life, Ms Fleet has personal experience of the impact of cancer - her own father lost his battle with cancer over seven years ago.
"He was such a cool dad, I know he would be pleased that I am doing this role and being part of events like this,'' she said.
"It's really nice to feel that you are part of something that is doing good in the community.''
Cancer Society Otago & Southland chief executive Rachael Hart said the 2020 Dunedin Relay for Life would coincide with the 20th anniversary of Relay for Life in New Zealand.
"We are so honoured by the support we receive from our community,'' she said.
The society received no government funding, so the event helped it to provide a range of services, including one-on-one support for people affected by cancer, its accommodation service for people travelling for treatment, as well as funding health promotion and research programmes.
Ms Fleet said everyone who was interested in taking part in the 2020 Relay for Life, including previous team captains and members, were invited to follow the Relay for Life Otago 2020 Facebook page, which will offer updates as the event approaches.
"There's plenty of time to get the ball rolling on getting a team together and fundraising, so save the dates and get planning,'' Ms Fleet said.
The Cancer Society is also gearing up for Daffodil Day on August 30, and also the Otago Polytechnic Cancer Society Spring Ball on September 6.
• Please contact Charlotte Molloy on 477-7447 if you would like to volunteer, or Tracey Fleet on the same number if you would like to buy tickets for the ball.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
