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Wellington takes action against cancer
One in three of us has been affected by cancer. Relay For Life events across New Zealand, and the world, motivate those
people to have a voice and take action.
Walkers and runners will go around the clock during the twelfth Cancer Society Relay For Life Wellington event. The
event gets underway with nearly 90 teams of locals gathering at Frank Kitts Park 22-23 March.
Relay For Life is an inspiring, overnight team event for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is one of the Cancer
Society’s key community engagement and fundraising activities. Events are held in over 20 communities across New Zealand
and 6,000 communities around the world.
Relay For Life begins with a moving Opening Ceremony, with cancer survivors and caregivers leading the first lap of the
event. Next, team members take to the track. Most walk for 30 minute intervals, while some prefer to jog or run.
Later in the evening, a Candlelight Ceremony is held. This is a time to remember loved ones affected by cancer. People
taking part light candles inside personally-decorated candle bags which are placed around the Relay track as glowing
tributes to family and friends.
Team members carry on walking or jogging through the night. This represents the fact that cancer never sleeps. At least
one member of the team is on the track at all times. In the morning, teams come together for an inspiring Closing
Ceremony.
“This event has a huge impact on the Wellington community,” says Helen Montgomery, Manager Fundraising & Communications, Cancer Society Wellington. “One in three of us are affected by cancer. Many are driven to take action
and Relay For Life is an empowering and heartening way to do that.”
Funds raised at Relay For Life enable the Cancer Society to provide a wide range of free support services, education and
information.
Cancer Society Wellington receives no direct government funding and relies on the generosity of the community.
Experience Relay For Life through our video on www.relayforlife.org.nz