Relay For Life: Join in the fun in Bunbury this year

If you missed the paper, or you just can't wait to get home and grab it off the front lawn, check out all the must-have details here. 

This year Relay For Life will be held at Payne Park from October 31 to November 1. 

WITH just four months until Payne Park is transformed for this year’s Relay For Life, there is still time to get a team together and join the fundraising and celebrations.

Committee chairman Leigh Ritchie said local people had wholeheartedly embraced the Relay concept over the past 12 years.

The funds raised are used for vital cancer research as well as support, such as the range of services provided locally at Dot’s Place.

Mr Ritchie said Relay was a unique community event and encouraged others to find out more about it.

“It’s a very important fundraiser for Cancer Council WA,” he said.

“The relay aspect itself is just one part of the activities of the weekend celebration.

“Another great thing is that it’s so flexible and it’s a great way to get to know people better.

“Teams can be made of groups of friends, family or workmates, community groups or sporting clubs.

“People take part in Relay for many personal reasons, such as an opportunity to pay tribute to lost loved ones, to honour the survivors or because someone they know is currently battling cancer.

“Others join in Relay simply because it’s a wonderful community event and they know that the money raised truly makes a difference to people’s lives.”

On October 31 and November 1, the fundraising efforts of hundreds of participants from dozens of teams across the Greater Bunbury area will culminate in a 24-hour spectacle of colour and energy as walkers and runners complete laps around Payne Park. 

IT IS easy to get involved in Relay and help do your bit in the fight against cancer.

Simply get together a group of people to form a team of about eight to 12 people, then sign up at relayforlife.org.au

Then the fun – and fundraising activities – can start.

One of the great things about Relay was that teams had flexibility to decide how to raise funds for the cause.

There are tried and tested ways such as selling tickets in the big Relay raffle, doing car washes or garage sales, and having quiz nights.

But there’s really no limit except your own imagination.

Teams have raised thousands from organising scavenger hunts, fancy-dress discos and balls, motorcycle runs, sporting events, trivia nights, and even selling homemade goodies.

The weekend of Relay itself is time to celebrate your efforts with a community celebration at Payne Park.

This is always heaps of fun, with plenty of activities for the whole family as well as spectators to enjoy, and lots of crazy things to help keep teams motivated and energetic for 24 hours.

IF you’ve thought about entering a team in Relay, now is the time because the special “lucky duck” registration prize offer has been extended for one week.

Teams which register on or before July 7 go in the draw for an awesome prize to help make the Relay weekend even more amazing.

It includes having your tent set up for you in a prime spot, an Esky full of goodies, a comfy couch, massage tent vouchers, torches, bubble wands and more!

If you miss the lucky duck deadline don’t worry, you can still register for the event using the same easy online process at relayforlife.org.au

Or if you have any questions, check out the Relay page at facebook.com/RelayforLifeBunbury 

BUNBURY’S Relay event will benefit from experiences and influences across the globe this year, after committee member Lara Hebbend was selected to attend a world Relay For Life conference in the United States.

Lara said she was excited about attending the summit and learning from others across the world about what also makes their events successful.

“I'm looking forward to being able to share all the wonderful things that make Bunbury the biggest regional Relay in Australia,” Lara said.

“We do lots of thing well but there is always room for improvement and with 55 countries attending this international summit, I'm sure there will be no shortage of unique ideas that we can consider for our Relays across Australia.”

As a member of the Bunbury organising committee, Lara’s role is to help teams with any queries they may have, helping them through everything from the registration process to fundraising ideas.

She has also been a member of the Money Makers team for seven years, which has hosted a variety of successful fundraisers such as the wedding dress ball.

“I started Relay knowing that cancer affects one in two people before the age of 80 so it was only a matter of time before cancer affected me or my family,” she said.

“At the time I was on maternity leave from work and had little kids, I had a few free hours a month I could offer... I was healthy and I was grateful, so I did what I could.

“But I didn't expect to meet a football field full of the most friendly, bubbly and generous people that Bunbury has.”

“I haven't met one person who hasn’t left an impression on me and I have made so many beautiful friendships that I will treasure always.”

“Relay is a fantastic way to get your friends and family or workmates together and raise a few much needed dollars during the year.

“Join us for the 24-hour party to celebrate your fundraising efforts on October 31 where we walk for 24 hours, we laugh, we cry, remember those who lost their battle and have hope for the future. But we do it together.

”I'll look forward to meeting you!” 

THE funds raised by Relay participants are a vital part of enabling new cancer research to take place in WA, as well as supporting people with a cancer diagnosis.

The Bunbury event has raised a total of $3 million over the past 12 years.

The money is extremely important in supporting medical research into cancer prevention and treatment and enabling Cancer Council WA to continue its support and education for people living with cancer, and their loved ones.

This includes:

The Cancer Council helpline Local residents are fortunate to have a wide range of services available in one location at Dot’s Place, in Forrest Avenue, Bunbury, or on 9721 9555.