A drop-off of more than 60 per cent in money raised at Brimbank’s Relay For Life over the past two years reflects a nationwide trend, Cancer Council Victoria says.
Brimbank raised $15,678 last year, the second-lowest amount across the state, according to the Cancer Council Victoria’s annual report. In 2013, Brimbank relays raised $47,389.
Volunteer numbers also dropped, from 327 to 118, and registered teams from 23 to 12, over the same period.
Calling on volunteers to lace up their sneakers for this year, Relay For Life program manager Lisa Westphal said Brimbank needed walkers more than ever.
“With more than 800 Brimbank residents diagnosed with cancer every year, Relay For Life is an important event for residents to support,” she said.
“There have been lower volunteering numbers in the area in recent years, which is a trend in volunteering with charities across the country.”
Brimbank has raised more than $112,000 over the past four years through Relay For Life – a 24-hour event where sponsored teams of people walk around local ovals.
Cancer Council Victoria estimates more than four million people in more than 20 countries use Relay For Life events to raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.
Brimbank has one Relay For Life event already scheduled for this year – at Cairnlea Park, Cairnlea, in November. Details 1300 65 65 85.
