Relay for Life Bunbury going for gold in 2024 with Olympic-themed day and lofty donation target

Relay for Life Bunbury organisers have big ambitions for the 22nd edition of the iconic South West event and are calling on the community to get involved for a good cause. This year’s event will embrace the Paris Olympics with several games, prizes and activities fitting the theme for the day. Organisers, volunteers and participants gathered at the Bunbury Council building on Thursday to launch this year’s event with the goal of surpassing $5 million raised for Cancel Council since its inception. To do this, the event will need to crack six figures once again after raising more than $200,000 last year. With 102 days left before the day-long lapfest, 24 teams have signed up with a total of 99 relayers preparing for the test of endurance. Despite the event not taking place until November, $27,000 has already been raised. Relay for Life Bunbury chair Emily McKelvie said the event was a popular one in the community. “It’s important because every family, every person has been touched by cancer in some way,” she said. “Raising these funds benefits so many people in terms of the cancer support services, the research, the cancer nurses, the cancer combination, and the patient transport services. “Without these, especially in a regional place, we really do miss out so we really do need to raise these funds.” While there will be a number of new additions to the day – including an interactive RAC Rescue helicopter – one of the most cherished and poignant moments of the day will remain. The candlelight vigil, remembering loved ones lost to cancer will once again illuminate the track. Ms McKelvie said she’d like to see as many people turn up for the event. “If you’ve never done Relay For Life before, and it’s something that you’ve always considered, just register a team,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not able to fund raise — we would rather people just come along and experience that event and see what it’s like.” To find out more information, donate or register visit www.relayforlife.org.au/event/bunbury-2024/home.