The annual Bundaberg Relay for Life may look a little bit different this year but the same enthusiastic support from the community is needed for the fundraiser’s first ever virtual event.
Co-chair Matt Gees said the committee had to put their thinking caps on to come up with a fun and exciting way for relayers to participate during COVID-19 restrictions.
“The virtual event will look and feel different, but the essential elements will all be there,” he said.
“Our Virtual Relay will take on the similarities of a hosted television event.
“We plan on having a broadcast point set up and then using technology to engage with our participants through social media and interviews.”
Matt said while Coronavirus restrictions had stopped the mass gathering that the event previously catered for, people were being encouraged to participate in a new way.
“Instead we are encouraging relayers to form their teams and decide how they want to participate,” he said.
“They might want to use a park, their sporting club or school oval or even just their own backyard.
“What is important is that we will still have the major aspects of Relay for Life as we celebrate those who have fought the battle against cancer and survived and remember those who have fought against cancer and sadly lost that battle.”
Matt said it was important to continue the Relay for Life tradition, even if restrictions wouldn't allow normal plans to go ahead.
“Relay for Life raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services,” he said.
“The money raised in Bundaberg will assist local cancer patients and their families accessing Cancer Council services like the 131120 helpline and our local wigs and turbans service.”
Registrations open for virtual relay
This year's Relay for Life will be held from 3pm until 7pm on Saturday August 8.
Registrations are now open and can be made at http://relayforlife.org.au/bundaberg2020
“People who register now can access a special Early Bird registration of $15 for under 18, $30 for over 18 and if you are registering as part of a family of two adults and two children, there is a special price of $75 for all four,” Matt said.
“Registration price does increase as the relay gets closer, but it’s not expensive to register and start fundraising for your Relay for Life team.
“Plus as a bonus, registration gives you an exclusive participant shirt!”
Matt said while this year's virtual relay may be a little different, support was still needed from the community.
“We think this virtual event will make it even easier for families, businesses and other local groups to get together, participate and fundraise,” he said.
“We would love to chat to our local business community about the opportunity to be part of this event, especially in regards to sponsorship opportunities.
“Most of all though, we want to continue to bring our local community together for this fun event that has been part of our local community calendar for over 15 years.”
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