By Kath Gannaway
THE young committee that organised the 2011 Yarra Ranges Relay for Life is celebrating following the announcement that the event raised $106,267.05.
The target set by the Mount Evelyn-based committee was $100,000, but with $82,000 on the books as the event held in Healesville in November closed, it seemed like a big ask.
“It’s very exciting,” said chair manager Kaitlin Morrow, who admitted the committee didn’t expect to meet the $100,000 target but became more and more hopeful as the teams kept banking money in the weeks after the event.
“The whole committee is just ecstatic that we reached our goal and to then get $6000 over is just fantastic,” Kaitlin said.
Twenty-eight teams, made up of 651 individuals of all ages, participated in the event which raised funds for Cancer Council Victoria medical research, education and support services. In a letter to participants send out last week, Cancer Council Victoria Community Development Officer Brett O’Farrell congratulated everyone involved.
“This is an inspirational effort and we are grateful for your part in this achievement,” he said.
“It is your involvement in Relay For Life and support of the Cancer Council Victoria, which symbolises the hope for all those who have in some way been touched by cancer.”
As they closed the 2011 Relay for Life, Megan Fleming, just elected 2012 chair manager, challenged each person to “let’s all try to bring back one more person next year”.
Team registrations are open for the 2012 Yarra Ranges event and for anyone interested in joining the committee.
For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org.au or phone 1300 656 585.
