Central Otago's second Relay for Life, being held in Cromwell on March 17 and 18 next year, has a hard act to follow.
The inaugural Central Otago relay in 2009 was a record-breaker and raised $201,130 for the Cancer Society. More than 1300 people took part, with teams from all over Central Otago, Queenstown and Wanaka.
It was the highest total for a first Relay for Life in the South Island and the second highest in the country for an inaugural event.
2012 relay committee chairwoman Lynn Manson, of Cromwell, is hoping to build on that success.
"Times have changed economically and our expectations need to be realistic as to what we can achieve in our fundraising efforts, but what hasn't changed is the goodwill and community cohesiveness that the event will bring about. I'm sure there are many people eagerly anticipating the next event and planning their costumes and tent sites already."
Cancer Society income development and promotions manager Janie Peck said funds raised from the 24-hour event would go towards continuing to develop and increase the accessibility of support services; maintaining Kowhai House, the accommodation for people living outside of Dunedin who are undergoing cancer treatment at Dunedin Hospital; and funding cancer research.
