MORE than 90 Riverlanders have come together to raise almost $30,000 to help in the fight against cancer during this year’s Relay for Life fundraiser.
Ninety-four participants and 11 different teams signed up for Cancer Council SA’s Riverland Relay Your Way 28km Challenge, which was held this year in place of the annual Relay for Life event.
Despite most participants having already completed their challenge, organisers held a symbolic walk along the Berri river front on Saturday night, with Berri Barmera Mayor Peter Hunt addressing the small crowd in attendance.
This year’s event has so far raised just over $29,000 for Cancer Council, nearly doubling the original goal set by organisers, with more donations still coming in.
Cancer Council SA chief executive Lincoln Size thanked Riverlanders for backing the Relay Your Way concept.
“It was fantastic to see the Riverland community embrace the Relay Your Way format and celebrate their 28km Relay Your Way Challenge over the weekend,” he said.
“While we weren’t able to run the Riverland Relay like we normally would, the event was still a wonderful chance for the community to celebrate, remember and fight back, and is a testament to the passion and commitment of the local community to support those impacted by cancer.
“The money raised through the Riverland Relay for Life will go towards funding vital research, prevention and support programs for all South Australians impacted by cancer and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who either attended the event on the weekend or relayed in their own way in the lead up to the event.
“Thank you for embracing the Relay Your Way concept and raising critical funds which will make a real difference.”
At Saturday’s event, St Joseph’s School Barmera year 2 student Jackson Ivanovic presented Relay for Life committee members with a cheque for $980, raised by St Joseph’s, Kingston-on-Murray Primary School and Cobdogla Primary School during their mini-relay fundraisers.
For more information or to donate, visit fundraising.cancer.org.au and search for the Riverland 2020 Relay Your Way 28km Challenge.