Earlier this month, Sunshine Coast locals raised over $45,201 at their annual Relay For Life event, with funds still being processed over the coming weeks.
Nineteen registered teams and over 234 participants, including 34 survivors and carers, came together to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer, raising vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland’s work in cancer research, prevention programs, and practical support services.
Teams committed to walking, rolling, and running around a track to signify that cancer never rests and neither would they.
The 10-hour event was jampacked with traditional Relay ceremonies and an array of activities to keep participants motivated. Local gym instructor, Morgan, from Fernwood kicked the afternoon off with a dance class, Mel from Jingster Yoga then led the participants in sunset yoga, and the Caloundra State High School students took out the top place at the Lip Sync Battle.
The best dressed award was won by the Kawana Scouts in their Ancient Greek costumes, Sunshine Coast Airport raised over $10,645 and won the best letterbox, and Caloundra State High School won the highest fundraising team after raising a whopping $11,444.
The evening concluded with the community uniting to light candles for the beloved candlelight ceremony.
Cancer Council Queensland Community Engagement Coordinator, Rosie Kenny, expressed her gratitude to the Sunshine Coast community.
“Around 4152 are diagnosed with cancer each year on the Sunshine Coast, and Relay For Life enables us to reach out to them every minute, every hour, every day,” Ms Kenny said.
Face of Relay and cancer survivor, Joe Surace, was overwhelmed by support “I would like to thank the Sunshine Coast community for showing their incredible support and helping us fight back against cancer, including the local Relay For Life committee, participants, local businesses, and all who generously donated.”
Ms Kenny concluded, “Fundraising events like Relay For Life are significant to our work and help us reduce the burden of cancer on the community.”
