The annual Sutherland Shire Relay for Life may not be run until later in the year, but fundraising is already well underway.
Fuelled by the chance to win a gardening package which includes a line trimmer and lawnmower if registered before the end of January 2015, teams have already come forward, said Rob Stanley-Jones, volunteer organising committee member.
He added that by registering early, people from areas such as Cronulla and Caringbah, New South Wales, had more time to raise money.
The Relay, which is supported around the globe, raises much needed funds for Cancer Council medical research, support and education.
Last year, the shire relay – which is now into its 15th year – resulted in a record $600,000 being raised. Its average is half a million dollars, putting it second only to Perth, which is the largest money earner in Australia.
Since its establishment in 1985 in the USA, Relay for Life has stood out as the largest fundraiser of its kind for cancer worldwide. The fundraiser kicked off in Australia in 1999 and the nationwide event attracts more than 134,000 people and raises in excess of $24 million annually.
The relay is often the subject of major flyer and poster printing promotional campaign, conducted to attract as many entrants as possible.
National promotion of the event, to be held on May 2 and 3, has also extended to social media and the Cancer Council’s new website.
