Relaying the good news

The final figures are in and they reveal Surf Coast and Bellarine inaugural Relay for Life fundraisers netted nearly $140,000 for the Cancer Council of Victoria.

Held in early November, the events proved a resounding success for the region. The Surf Coast Relay for Life raised $93,047 at the Bob Pettit Reserve, whilst the Bellarine event collected $49,135 at the Collendina Recreation Reserve in Ocean Grove.

So successful was the Surf Coast event that it has already necessitated a move to another venue. Surf Coast Relay for Life chairman Darrel Brewin said six new teams have already indicated they will participate this year, taking the numbers to 29, with even more teams expected from other Surf Coast centres, including Anglesea.

“With more than 500 participants in the inaugural event, the committee felt this year’s event should move to a larger venue,” Mr Brewin said.

“We will move to Torquay’s Spring Creek Reserve for the relay on the weekend of November 10-11.

“The committee is thrilled to achieve a result of more than $90,000 and we are particularly pleased to have raised awareness about cancer in our community.”

Chairperson of the Bellarine Relay for Life volunteer committee Sue Berry said she was overwhelmed by the community support the event received.

“It’s the first time we’ve held the event so we didn’t really know what to expect, so to raise in excess of $45,000 is amazing. People just kept coming throughout the day and night, supporting their friends or simply supporting the event and the fight against cancer.

“We’ve booked Collendina Reserve again for the second weekend in November. Fourteen teams have already registered for the 2012 event and anyone can register online if they wish.”

People can register for both events online at www.relayforlife.com.au.