Wagga Relay For Life committee chair Alan Pottie (centre), the Cancer Council’s Brianna Brown (second from left), the RSL’s Jane Barnes and Triple M’s Jamie Way (far left) and Leigh Ryan are encouraging everyone to get involved with the major charity fundraiser. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Wagga has hosted the Relay For Life for 21 years, but things promise to look a little different from past years, with some major changes lined up for 2024.
For the first time, the major charity fundraiser will be held at the Riverside precinct alongside Wagga’s beach, with the time of the relay being reduced from 24 hours to six.
Wagga Wagga Relay For Life committee chair Alan Pottie said he hoped the shortened time of the relay, as well as the new location, would help reignite interest in the event.
“We are deeply moved by everyone in the community who supports Relay For Life and in turn, the Cancer Council,” Mr Pottie said.
“Relay celebrates cancer survivorship, remembers loved ones lost and fights back against cancer, and this can evoke a really personal response.
“Sadly, too many of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. Every dollar we raise goes towards lifesaving cancer research, prevention programs and support services.”
Mr Pottie said Wagga Wagga Relay For Life was closing in on its fundraising target of $80,000, passing $60,000 earlier this week.
“The organising committee is humbled to have Wagga Wagga RSL Club on board as our major sponsor once again,” he said.
“The RSL club has been a committed supporter for over a decade and we are grateful to have them back on board, gifting us a $12,500 donation so we can fight back against cancer.”
Cancer Council NSW community fundraising coordinator Brianna Brown said funds raised from the event would go towards cancer research, prevention and early detection methods, and better treatment for patients.
“We invest at least $20 million into research every year, and that’s just out of NSW alone,” she said.
“We also invest heavily in advocacy, trying to make sure that people affected by cancer are getting the best outcomes that they can. Everyone’s heard of slip, slop, slap, seek and slide but we also encourage things like healthy eating and physical activity.
“Relay For Life is such an easy way to make a real difference in our community. Wagga has always gotten behind the event and we’d love to see it even bigger this year.”
Ms Brown also revealed that the Amie St Clair Foundation and the Melanoma Institute would conduct free skin checks on the day.
More than 19 teams have already registered for the 21 September relay, but Mr Pottie is encouraging as many people as possible to take part.
“We’ve got so many things happening on the day,” he said.
“We’ve got so many kids’ activities, a barbecue will be running, egg-and-spoon races, high tea for survivors at 3 pm, and the traditional hope ceremony at 6 pm; you name it, we’ll have it.
“It’s not too late to do something and to round up team members and come along. It’s going to be a fantastic day for everyone involved.
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