Cr Garey was speaking on Saturday afternoon, on behalf of the city council, at the opening of a 24-hour Relay for Life event, at the Caledonian Ground at Logan Park.
More than 1000 people, including friends and supporters of team members, were present to watch or take part in the start of the event.
Cr Garey paid tribute to "the amazing work that the Cancer Society does all year round''.
"It really does make a difference.''
She also spoke of recently supporting a friend with cancer, and of sharing a wide range of emotions and experiences, both highs and lows.
This had given her insights into several things, including the work of "extremely skilled professionals'' in the medical profession, and "sharing and making special memories'', she said.
Cancer Society Otago-Southland events and campaigns team leader Tania Brendel said the fundraising and awareness-raising event had been"extremely successful'' and was about "working together; the community coming together''.
Cr Garey's comments had been "very emotional'', but had made a special contribution to the opening, she said.
Eighty teams took part, each with a minimum of 10 members, and at least one team with 40 members.
A mass of tents sprang up all around the running track, occupying about 120 sites, as many secondary schools, the University of Otago and its residential colleges, and many other organisations, including the Otago Daily Times, took part.
Cancer Society marketing manager Chris Green said he estimated $175,000 had been raised so far but it would take another two or three weeks to finalise the count.
Organisers described the relay as "an inspiring community event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers''.
The event also provided a chance to "remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back by raising awareness and funds to support the work of Cancer Society''.
During the event, teams of people of all ages and fitness levels walk or run around the track.
In a relay style, each team has to have at least one member on the track throughout the event.
Arana College warden Jamie Gilbertson took part in the initial survivors' lap and said his experience as a "reluctant participant'' in the cancer journey as a prostate cancer survivor had deepened his awareness.
Mr Gilbertson acknowledged that Arana students had recently raised almost $7000 in about 10 days, including through personal and family donations, and from collection tins at the college.
But he emphasised that all the University of Otago's colleges had raised funds for the cancer-fighting cause, and the university as a whole, including many departments, had supported the event.
This showed a strong "town-gown'' partnership, for "a very important cause''.
He was "humbled and proud'' of the backing by all student colleges of residence for the relay event, and of their fundraising efforts.
It also showed "how good students are'', given that they were also busy with their studies and with sporting commitments, he said.
