Event Aims to Support Local Cancer Services
CANBERRA — Hundreds of Canberrans are set to participate in the annual Relay For Life this weekend, aiming to raise $400,000 for cancer services, according to Cancer Council ACT. The event will take place over 24 hours from March 28 to 29 at the AIS Track and Field Centre.
As of March 25, the event has already secured $220,653 in donations, highlighted by the participation of teams such as Team Joanna, walking in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. The event celebrates survivors, supports those currently facing cancer, and honours caregivers.
Community Participation and Fundraising Efforts
Helen, a participant from Team Joanna, expressed that joining the relay offers a meaningful way to remember her sister, Joanna, who was an avid runner before her cancer diagnosis. The event features the Candlelight Ceremony, a poignant moment where participants reflect and stand together in solidarity. Families and friends gather to light candles, creating a sea of lights that symbolizes hope and remembrance.
Cancer Council ACT aims to retain all funds raised within Canberra to support local cancer services, including prevention and education programs, as well as life-saving research. ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith commended the event, stating, “Relay For Life is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we walk together.”
This year’s event continues to reflect a growing community engagement in cancer awareness and support initiatives, as seen in similar events nationwide. Participants are encouraged to share photos for the Candlelight Ceremony to further personalize the occasion. The collective effort of the community underscores the importance of unity in the fight against cancer, inspiring hope and resilience among participants and supporters alike. With each step taken on the track, the community demonstrates its unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 30 March 2026, 2:10 pm
