- 47 teams walked over 20,000 kilometres at Gisborne's Relay for Life event, raising more than $101,000 for cancer research and support services
- RRT volunteers provided free lunch for participants during the Celebration Lap, which honours cancer survivors and their supporters
- Over 1,500 people attended the two-day event, with local Daryl Gowers completing 150 laps and Campion College raising over £5,000
- The event reached 75% of its £135,000 fundraising target, with all proceeds going directly to Cancer Society services. There is still time to donate
- RRT, the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, operates globally with 16,500 volunteers supporting communities through emergency relief and frontline worker support
GISBORNE WALKS 20,000KM TO RAISE $100K FOR CANCER FIGHT
Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has teamed up with the Cancer Society at this year’s Gisborne Relay for Life, which has announced raising over $101,000 for cancer research and support services.
The annual community event saw 47 teams collectively walk more than 20,000 kilometres in solidarity, remembrance and commitment to a cancer-free future, with over 1,500 people attending across the two days.
RRT volunteers cooked and served a free lunch for participants in the event's Celebration Lap – a tradition that honours those who have or have had cancer, along with their supporters.
The Celebration Lap marked the start of Gisborne’s Relay for Life, with participants then gathering in the Celebration Marquee to enjoy the meal provided by RRT.
RRT’s support helped ensure every dollar fundraised by teams can be directed back into Cancer Society services, including support for people receiving care and their whānau, as well as cancer prevention and education programmes for the wider Gisborne community.
Notable achievements at this year's event included local scrap metal collector Daryl Gowers, who completed a gruelling 150 laps, with tired feet to show for his efforts.
Campion College raised the most money for a single team, donating over $5,000.
With the event reaching 75 per cent of its $135,000 fundraising target, organisers praised RRT's contribution to the weekend's success.
"It is hard to put into words how grateful we are for the RRT team when it comes to Relay for Life," said the Gisborne Relay for Life’s Event Coordinator, Shay Podjursky.
"The supply of a generous, nutritious and well-prepared lunch for over 150 people could easily add a large cost to our event. RRT's donation means we can celebrate those in our community affected by cancer, while directing every fundraised dollar back into our services."
Paul Simmons, RRT New Zealand's General Manager, said:
"Relay for Life brings together the Gisborne community to support those affected by cancer, and RRT is proud to play a part in that.
"Our volunteers were honoured to serve the Celebration Lunch to survivors and their supporters. These are members of our community who inspire us all with their courage and resilience.
"By providing this meal, we help ensure fundraising efforts go directly to the vital services the Cancer Society provides."
As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports communities across New Zealand through emergency relief, frontline worker support and helping those facing hardship.
Established in 2013 to assist emergency services and communities in times of disaster and crisis, RRT now operates globally with more than 16,500 volunteers providing food, donations and practical support.
To donate to Relay for Life, please visit www.relayforlife.org.nz/donate
For more information about RRT, please go to www.rrtglobal.org
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About us:
As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports communities across New Zealand through emergency relief, frontline worker support and helping those facing hardship.
Established in 2013 to assist emergency services and communities in times of disaster and crisis, RRT now operates globally with more than 16,500 volunteers providing food, donations and practical support.
For more information about RRT, please go to www.rrtglobal.org
Contact details:
Sam Pugh / 028 2551 9565
