Over $114,000 raised for cancer at Blacktown’s Relay for Life
Monday, November 2, 2009
The 2009 Blacktown City Relay for Life has been hailed a huge success with 82 teams participating over the weekend at Blacktown Olympic Park and raising an amazing $114,000 for the Cancer Council - with this amount set to rise as teams continue to bank their fundraised money.
Officially opened on Saturday, October 31 by Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles and fellow Councillor and Cancer Council ambassador, Kathie Collins, the day commenced with a Survivors Walk where cancer survivors and their carers took to the athletics track for one honorary lap.
Throughout Saturday, many activities took place around the track including raffles, chocolate wheels, guessing competitions, jumping castle, knick knack and craft stalls, food stalls and live entertainment on stage.
The Miss Relay Competition was once again one of the day's highlights, with seven men taking to the stage showing off their feminine side.
In the evening, the Candlelight ceremony and fireworks displays were breath-taking. Hundreds of people of all ages, came together to remember those who had lost their battle with cancer by placing candlelit sandbags around the athletics track.
"The weekend has been overwhelming success", Blacktown Relay for Life Chairperson, Peter Filmer said.
"We hit our target of raising $1 million in Blacktown for the Cancer Council in the events 7 year history here. We also had a lot of new faces and teams participating this year, which is always pleasing to see", Peter continued.
All money raised at the 2009 Blacktown Relay for Life over the October 31 - November 1 weekend will be donated to the Cancer Council who will use the money for research, carer support and cancer education.
"The Relay is always a good show of community spirit in Blacktown City and I congratulate all the teams who came along and participated", Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles said.
"Not only is the community spirit in this event high, but we have many local businesses that get behind this event and show their support through donations, in-kind support and helping out with the logistics for the weekend. Thank you to everyone who lent a hand", Mayor Lowles continued.
The 2010 Blacktown Relay for Life will be held over the October 30 - 31 weekend. Keep an eye out in your local newspapers for details closer to the event.
