Surf Coast community laps up fundraising record

THE Surf Coast Relay for Life has topped its fundraising target for the past year by close to $10,000.

“The goal was $75,000, but we kicked that goal up the butt,” Cancer Council Victoria’s event coordinator Elyce Carlyle said at the closing ceremony of the 20-hour overnight event at Polwarth Oval, North Torquay, on Saturday afternoon.

Organising committee co-chairman Magdalena Wheatland had just announced a grand total of $84,166.54 had been raised from sponsors and fundraising teams over the year.

More funds will come in over the next fortnight or so as team members who circled the oval collect for the laps they completed.

“I am confident we will reach $85,000,” Magdalena said.

The tally brings the total raised by the Surf Coast community since the Relay began in 2011 to more than $500,000.

Elyce presented flowers, chocolates and a card to Magdalena and husband Frank who are stepping down from the committee they have led for six years, with co-chairman Bob Tyler now stepping up as chairman.

The Wheatlands and their Rippleside Ramblers had the top team total of $16,391.

Other teams to top $5,000 were St Paddy’s Team Green, Torquay Life Activities, Bellbrae Primary School, Birds of a Feather Torquay CFA and Torquay Lions.

Each of these teams can nominate to Cancer Council Victoria the area of research to which they would like their funds allocated.

The Spirit of Relay award went to Bellbrae Primary School, which also won the teams challenge at the event.

“It was fantastic to see the next generation taking to the track with such great enthusiasm,” Magdalena said.

St Paddy’s Team Green won the prize for the best baton.

Intrapac Property, developers of The Quay and QUAY2 proudly sponsored the event giving $2,500, helping them not only reach, but exceed their goals.

Surf Coast Shire mayor David Bell officially closed the event with a reading of the Relay for Life Oath, where participants are urged to continue their efforts in the fight against cancer.