A public meeting to try to save future Relay for Life events will be held in Pambula next Thursday.
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The meeting at the Pambula Sports Complex, on Thursday, September 10, from 6pm, was called after the Bega Valley Relay for Life committee cancelled next month's event.
"Unfortunately this year’s Bega Valley Relay for Life event which was scheduled for October 2015 will not be held," Bega Valley Relay for Life chairman, Greg Whitby, announced last Sunday.
"This is due to the loss of committee members, who had to leave due to their own or their family’s cancer journey.
"After holding several meetings to secure new committee members, we have had no response from the public, and time constrictions are now the issue, so it has been decided that the event will not be held.
"The committee wishes to apologise to cancer sufferers and carers, also the teams, who were looking forward to the (2015) event," he said.
Relay for Life has become a highlight on the local events calendar, with more than 500 people coming together each year to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer.
Mr Whitby, together with Relay for Life community engagement coordinator, Grant Plecas, are now working to shake things up to make the 2016 event a success.
"The Bega Relay For Life Committee is planning to shake things up in 2016 and make the 9th annual event one to remember, with some big changes on the cards," Mr Whitby said.
“We are still planning to have all the best bits of Relay, including the very special hope ceremony, but in a completely new format to make it fresher, more appealing and more inclusive.
“Relay For Life is an opportunity for the community to come together to show support for those who are battling cancer and their family and friends, honours survivors, and remembers those who we have lost.
"It also raises vital funds for local cancer support, prevention and information programs.
“This new direction for our relay will allow us to create something really special for the Bega Valley community and I’d encourage everyone to come along to the meeting to find out more about the event and how they can be a part of it,” he said.
Mr Whitby said the committee would like to thank all the sponsors who have supported Relay for Life over the years, and look forward to their continued support in the future.
Any 2015 teams that may have already raised money can still bank this money by contacting Mr Plecas on 0488 208 208 for deposit slips.
Everyone is invited to attend the Pambula meeting next Thursday to assist with the plans for the 2016 Relay for Life.