Pakenham’s ‘Mauve Movers’ joined in the colourful Casey Cardinia Relay for Life and raised $6677, a major part of the total. Mauve Movers received the Best Decorated Tent Site award and skipper Rhonda Luxford was the highest individual money raiser. From left: Korey Luxford, Jenny Thompson, Rhonda Luxford and Margaret Tinschert.I WAS unable to attend the Casey Cardinia Relay for Life last weekend, but was at Akoonah Park during the set up on Friday afternoon.
There was already a buzz of excitement about the place and a large volunteer workforce. Then we received the good news that the event raised $42,000 for the Cancer Council Victoria and, most of all, for people living with cancer. The event officially opened at 5.45pm on Friday, with cancer survivor Stan Miskin speaking at the opening ceremony. Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson and Edrington Ward councillors Brian Hetherton and Mick Morland then cut the ribbon to declare the start of the relay.
A group of local cancer survivors and carers were applauded and supported as they completed the first two laps of the event.
During the 24 hourrelay, 413 participants ran or walked around the track, with teams camping out overnight, participating in challenges and keeping the spirit alive.
Walkers and runners were rewarded with massages, food and entertainment donated by business people. Although teams came from far and wide, local people were to the forefront when the awards were handed out.
Highest team fundraisers were the Mount Eliza Rotary Club, captained by David Rew, with $7310, Pakenham’s Mauve Movers, captained by Rhonda Luxford, $6677, and Narre Warren’s Early Bird, captained by Gwen and Ian McKinnon, with $4649.
Rhonda was the highest individual fundraiser with $3834.78 and Berwick’s Jenny Williamson and Michael Robertson walked the highest number of laps.
Rotary All Stars, captained by Allan Collier from Dandenong North, walked the highest number of team laps.
Mauve Movers also won the best decorated tent site award.
Organising committee chairperson Deborah Ditchburn said she was delighted with the results.
“The weather was perfect, the effort put in by the teams was tremendous and we have all made a difference to many lives.”
The committee can now relax for a few months until it is time to start again next year.
What a wonderful thing if the money from this Casey Cardinia effort saves even one life.
