Community does its bit with fundraising effort

It would be a dream come true for Faye James if this year's Relay For Life taking place next weekend broke the $3 million mark after it topped $2m in 2008.

Year after year, the final total is exceeded, with only one year bagging slightly less than the year before.

Ironically enough that year was also 2008.

"These figures show just how successful the event has become and how giving the community is," said Mrs James

Teams often use a combination of individual and team fundraising and all money has to be handed in before the event.

Many teams stagger their fundraising over the year so there is not a last-minute rush to get to the finish line of raising the required $100 per team member.

"Proceeds from the event have been used locally to continue the work of supporting cancer patients, educating the community about cancer and funding essential research into cancer," Mrs James said.

Special projects have included donating funds towards a Linear accelerator at Palmerston North Regional Cancer Treatment Service, seeding funding for an extra medical oncologist, field officer positions in Horowhenua and Tararua, and funding for Addis House redevelopment and extension.

"Most of the money raised goes to the cause with less than 20 per cent getting used for administration costs," Mrs James said.

Horowhenua field officer Yvonne Martin has been in the job for five years.

Her job was established initially thanks to money raised through the Relay. "I started the week before Daffodil Day, so it was a bit of a baptism by fire," Ms Martin said.

Having previously nursed her mother through cancer and having worked in the community in a variety of health-related fields, Ms Martin is well equipped to do the job.

"It entails liaising with people who are affected by cancer, referring them to GPs if necessary or other professionals," she said.

"Basically if you want to know something, ring me and I can find someone to help you."

- © Fairfax NZ News