October 10, 2016
The South Burnett’s Relay For Life entered its second decade of fundraising at the weekend with a new set of records under its belt.
On Sunday morning the total amount already banked for cancer research for stood at $148,216.06.
But more cash is expected to roll in over coming weeks, and organisers expect this year’s total could reach as high as $160,000.
This is the sixth time in the 11-year history of the South Burnett Relay For Life that more than $100,000 has been raised.
Fifty teams turned out at the Kingaroy Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon to take part in this year’s Relay, another record.
After speeches by South Burnett Relay for Life president Rowena Dionysius and 2016 Face Of The Relay Allen Bassett, South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell officially opened the Relay.
Relay Patron Carl Rackemann then read the Relay Ode, and after this the traditional Survivors and Carers Walk lap began, followed by the remainder of the 500 registered walkers.
The walking paused at dusk for the Candlelight ceremony, which honours friends and family members who have died of cancer, before resuming throughout the night.
By early Sunday morning, a smaller number of walkers were still plodding – and much more slowly – around the Showgrounds’ arena.
But spirits remained upbeat right up to 9:00am when all the walking came to and end with the Relay’s official closing ceremony.
The Bank Of Queensland Team was presented with the Sandy Freeman Memorial Shield for being the biggest fundraiser (more than $22,000).
Taabinga State School ($4022) was presented with the Hope Shield for the most funds raised by a school.
New team, the Kumbia Vikings, were presented with a Spirit Of The Relay Award for being the team that most exemplified the best qualities of Relay participants.
Relay For Life president Rowena Dionysius said she was astonished and humbled at the amount of money raised this year, and congratulated everyone who took part or helped in any way.
Carl Rackemann said this year’s fundraising total amounted to around $5 per head for every man, woman and child in the South Burnett.
This was more than five times the national Relay For Life average, he said, and was a testament to the generosity of people in the South Burnett.
