Southern Cancer Society’s South Canterbury community manager Tracey Barratt said this year marked the second decade of the society’s Relay for Life, and to honour the event being held for 20 years, organisers had decided to host the original 20-hour event, which would require an overnight stay.
Mrs Barratt said the event was first held in South Canterbury in 2005, with 92 teams and 1156 registered walkers.
That event had raised $144,000 which had been used to support cancer patients in the area.
A lot had changed since then, including bringing on a major new sponsor.
"Canterbury Environmental Solutions Ltd (CESL) is partnering with us this year to help make this a momentous event."
"The partnership underscores both our commitments to supporting the fight against cancer and promoting community wellbeing.
"This year, our goal is to help raise $110,000 to support cancer research, prevention, and patient care, and it makes a huge difference when an organisation like Environmental Solutions steps up to help us out."
Business Development Manager for CESL Leon Hillegers emphasised the importance of partnering with the Southern Cancer Society, noting that cancer impacted every New Zealander in some way. This partnership is a way to support both staff and the community.
"We chose to do this because we understand the profound effect cancer has on communities and families. With one in three of us being diagnosed with cancer, and that number on the rise, we felt compelled to act.
"If we can contribute to changing these statistics, we are fully committed. We are thrilled to be part of this event and encourage other businesses to join us."
Canterbury Environmental Solutions was dedicated to supporting its community in various ways. The company was revolutionising waste management across the South Island — and even wider — with a particular focus on civil and construction waste.
"We transform environmental challenges into opportunities by reducing the effect of waste on the environment. We do this by rehabilitating land and promoting biodiversity through our wetland restoration and other landscaping projects."
Mrs Barratt said getting involved in the event was easy, and could be accessed via the Relay for Life Temuka page on the website.
"Everyone and anyone can get involved."
"Rally your friends, whānau, classmates, and workmates to join your community in the fight against cancer."
"It’ll be a fun day, and we would love to see you there," she said.
A $20 registration fee included participation in the event, a goodie bag, a candle for the candlelight ceremony, entertainment, "and a whole lot of fun".
The event will start at 8am on March 8 at Opihi College, in Temuka.
— APL
