A GROUP of local women, who are in their 15th year of participating in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life event, have found different ways to fundraise this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monash-based Relay for Life team, Juicy Jellies, initially got involved in the event to support close friends and family members living with cancer, now 15 years on, they are just as passionate and dedicated about the event than they first were.
Team member Mickey Voigt said her team is embracing this year’s Relay Your Way 28km challenge in their own creative and unique way.
“A lot of us women are much older so it’ll be hard to walk 28km in one day,” she said.
“We’ve given ourselves a goal of 28km in 28 days so that’ll keep us active for a while.”
Ms Voigt said the team has come up with new ways to fundraise during “these challenging times”.
“Usually fundraising is much easier as we have the ability to do things we can no longer do,” she said.
“This year we really had to think outside the box and so far we’ve come up with some odd things but they seem to work.
“The craziest thing we have at the moment is a toilet that we’ve been placing in people’s yards across Monash.
“The deal is that if the residents want the toilet removed from their yard, they have to donate $20.
“It’s a good laugh.
“We’ve gone door-knocking for donations, catered small events, fundraised online and soon we will be holding a sausage sizzle on Randell Terrace, Monash, along with a bake sale.”
Ms Voigt said she encourages people with gophers to join the team on their walk.
“There are some people that are unable to walk the kilometres so we are encouraging them to ‘gopher it’,” she said.
“We have a spare gopher for use and would love to have people give it a go.”
Cancer Council SA chief executive Lincoln Size said although COVID-19 has changed many things, the support for people going through cancer hasn’t.
“Every day, even throughout COVID, 28 South Australian’s are diagnosed with cancer,” he said.
“The challenge is a great way for people to still show their support and make a difference to the lives of locals impacted by cancer.
“We are proud to have been able to continue to offer services and support programs throughout the pandemic – services which are only made possible through ongoing support of the community.
“All money raised will enable us to continue to provide these services, such as our lodges on Greenhill Road and Dequetteville Terrace, while also funding vital research and prevention programs for all South Australians impacted by cancer.”
The Juicy Jellies complete their first walk on Sunday and will complete the remaining 24km in their own time by October 24 – the official date of the Riverland Relay.
To donate to their cause, visit https://bit.ly/3mw4DRL.