By JESSE GRAHAM
HUNDREDS of walkers, runners and passionate fund-raisers will be making their way to Healesville’s Don Road Sporting Complex this weekend as the Relay for Life comes to town once again.
The 9 November relay marks the 10th anniversary of the event in Healesville, which will see teams running or walking for 18 hours to raise money for the Cancer Council.
Last year saw 47 teams and 680 participants flood into the sporting complex, raising over $95,000 at the overnight event, and this year the Cancer Council is aiming to raise $100,000.
Relay participants will begin the relay at 3pm on Saturday 9 November and finish their effort at 9am on Sunday 10 November, with entertainment and sausage sizzles taking place at the sporting complex to raise extra money.
United under the cause of raising money for cancer research, teams across the Yarra Ranges are passionate about the annual event and the essential services that are the beficiaries of the money raised.
Mount Evelyn’s Team Zumba will be taking on the 18-hour challenge on the weekend, and team captain Julie Thompson said the group of 15 would be proactive in their fund-raising on the day.
“We’ll have a sausage sizzle on the day and will be raffling off a hamper full of healthy lifestyle products, including zumba classes, memberships to Mount Evelyn’s Fit Gym and drink bottles, but it’s still a work in progress,” she said.
Ms Thompson said that Team Zumba were ready to tackle the challenge.
“We’re really excited – it’s a great social event … with a fantastic atmosphere and it’s all for a good cause.”
She said the group was aiming to raise $1500, or $100 for every team member, and that the team had received strong support from businesses in the area.
Ms Thompson was looking forward to Saturday and said the cause of the relay was important to be kept alive.
“Everyone is here for the one cause,” she said.
“Cancer is so prevalent – it affects and touches everyone, and the relay is a good way of lifting spirits, knowing you’re doing a good thing.”
To sponsor Team Zumba or any of the individual relay-runners, search for either Team Zumba or Julie Thompson at www.relayforlife.org.au.
