There can be little doubt about the impact and devastation of cancer within our community. It is a very lucky individual who has escaped either personally experiencing or witnessing the debilitating and costly impacts of a truly horrible disease and the annual ‘Relay for Life’ is therefore a cause that our office steadfastly supports.
With a long build up to the event, last weekend marked the climax of months of fundraising as over six hundred participants set up camp within the grounds of All Saints College for the two day event.
Despite our humble camp site being outdone by some of our impressive neighbours (this writer regards solar panels and fridges whilst ‘camping’ as cheating but the team was nevertheless rather envious), a small but resilient bunch of Kenny Springers braved the sun and heat on Saturday afternoon as the weekend started with the opening ceremony and a lap of honour by the survivors and carers.
Our team settled into a solid rotation throughout the afternoon after having pledged amongst ourselves to ensure that a member was present on the course for the entirety of the event. Whilst it may seem a challenge to continuously walk around an oval on a hot afternoon, the sea of dyed hair and outfits emerging from various campsites, all with their own unique fundraising initiatives on the day, ensured that no two laps were the same and the time flew.
As the sun dipped down below the horizon, the participants congregated for a wonderful hope ceremony to celebrate some of the struggles, sacrifices and characters involved in our local communities battle against cancer.
Recognising the importance of good spirit and laughter in any health battle, the makeup came out shortly after the ceremony as our own Michael McGill battled a number of contestants in the annual ‘Ms Relay’ pageant. Looking stunning in a rather reflective dress and wearing the season’s hottest sneaker and sock styling, Michael placed what we understand to be a very competitive third and definitely did the Kenny Spring team proud.
After a brief dinner period away from the oval (A few members of our team readily endeavoured to assist fundraising efforts by multiple visits to the roast beef and gravy roll stand at the tent to ours), Jen carried the Kenny Spring flag until 1am in a display of resilience and strength and an undeniable testament to the powers of the resident coffee van
Preparing for an early morning, the remainder of the team drifted away in our swags after vigorous arguments as to whether fruit salad can be classed as a salad, our own fundraising efforts of making and selling various salads to the walkers potentially causing more harm to office relations than good (on a sidenote - it’s definitely not).
Returning to the oval at 5am after an overnight stint by team members Liz and Peter, the Kenny Spring team amassed in force and, after a warming caffeine hit ensured we stayed in the middle until the final lap at 9am.
Our fundraising for Relay for Life has been a long-process and the weekend was undeniably draining. It was instantly made worthwhile however upon the witnessing of incredible displays of strength, drive and spirit shown many times over across the event.
As an individual who has been much more fortunate with respect to the impact of cancer within their life, Relay for Life represented a sobering insight into the challenges facing so many in the community but at the same time an amazing glimpse at the testament of human spirit and community.
Our firm is proud to have raised over $2,000.00 for the Relay for Life organisation this year. If you wish to donate there is still time simply follow the link http://bit.ly/2mAKvzF.
We hope to see more teams and members of the community there next year as we will once again join in and go ‘all night for the fight’.