The past 18 Hills Relay events have collectively raised over $4 million for the Cancer Council, all money which was raised by the community. For this the Hills Relay for Life organising committee said “thank you for making a difference.
That was the message conveyed to more than 200 people who attended the Launch of the 2020 Hills Relay for Life at Event Cinemas in Castle Hills on Wednesday February 12 where everyone enjoyed a screening of A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.
The $4 million fundraising achievement is made more remarkable by the fact 96% of Cancer Council’s funding comes from the public. 
Cancer Council is the not-for-profit organisation that is the leading researcher in Australia for a cure cancer and provides preventative programs, and the communitybased fundraising organisation Relay for Life is one of their major donors.
Cancer Council community programs coordinator Jasmine Enright said people donating to Relay for Life were contributing to Cancer Council’s research greatly.
“Our campaigns like Sun Smart, and programs where we go out to schools to educate people about sun safety, the money comes from the public, so I’m very grateful the community is being recognised tonight for their donations.”
Feted among the guests were Chair of the Hills Relay for Life organising committee James Butler, Hills Shire Cr Ryan Treacey and Hills Shire Mayor Cr Michelle Byrne.
Mr Butler has survived cancer twice and said the friendship spirit shared among the cancer survivors and those with cancer has a “significant” effect on their outlook.
He also said one thing Relay For Life praises great emphasis on is respect for each other’s stories. “It’s different for everyone who experiences cancer,” he said.
“Some people li ke to have other people around them while for others it varies, it’s important we respect each other’s ways for how they cope with their experiences. That’s what creates strength.”
To acknowledge donations from local businesses, purple Sponsor awards went to Castle Towers, Event Cinemas and the Castle Hill RSL. Community Spirit awards went to Ruth Disbury for coordinating three events at Castle Towers in 2019, Sorpotimists of the Hills running and baking the Survivors and Carers Tea events for 18 years. Norwest Sunrise Rotaryalso received a community spirit award for 18 years of catering for Relay events.
Several school students also attended the event after school to raise money and show support. The 2019 Hills Relay For Life raised over $320,000 for the Cancer Council.
The Hills Relay for Life will be held on May 16 and 17 at the Castle Hill Showground. For more information visit https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/event/relay-for-lifehills/
