Plans for the third Central Otago Relay for Life are shaping up well, with the vital ingredient - the teams - soon to be added to the mix.
The event, which raises funds for the Cancer Society, will be held at the Cromwell racecourse on March 15-16 and launches will be held in Wanaka, Queenstown, Ranfurly, Alexandra and Cromwell next week. At the launches, teams have the chance to hear more about the relay, register for the event and get in early to choose a tent site around the course.
Relay chairwoman Lynn Manson said she was excited the countdown had begun. The 2012 event involved more than 1000 people forming teams from throughout the wider district. They raised a total of about $164,000, which has been used in a variety of ways in the district.
It was used to help fund five staff (2.4 full-time equivalents) - four supportive care workers and one health promotion officer - and to provide easier access to Cancer Society services by setting up bases in Wanaka, Alexandra and Queenstown.
The organisation, which receives no direct government funding, gives support to about 220 individuals and their families in the area. Some of the funds raised at the last relay have also contributed to health promotion activities such as smoke-free initiatives and skin cancer prevention work.
Mrs Manson said a 15-strong committee was working on the 2014 event and hoped to build on the success of the previous relays, with great support again from the community. An addition this year is the appointment of a committee member to focus on encouraging more young people to take part. Jacinda Morton (16), of Cromwell, will be co-ordinating activities aimed at teenagers.
The launches will be held on September 16 in Wanaka (12.30pm, Community Networks) and Queenstown (6pm, St John rooms); September 17 in Ranfurly (12.30pm, St John rooms) and Alexandra (6pm Community House); and September 18 in Cromwell (6pm, SBS office).
