Relay For Life
Team
Handbook
Everything you need to know to help us make
a difference in the fight against cancer
in my
team
‘Welcome and congratulations on joining
the Relay For Life family. As a Relayer you
are making a huge difference – the dollars
you raise will fund vital research to help
find the cure to cancer.
Together, we are the hope that unites many
in this fight. See you on the track!’
Amanda Power
Global Hero of Hope Australia
Townsville Relay For Life committee member
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Thanks for signing up
as a Team Captain!
You’ve now joined the thousands of Australians who take part
in Cancer Council’s Relay For Life each year.
You’re also part of a global movement in the fight against cancer,
raising vital funds for research, prevention and support services.
Whatever your reason for joining – as a cancer Survivor, a Carer,
support for loved ones, or simply wanting to make a difference –
Relay For Life touches everyone who participates.
To get the most out of your experience, we’ve created this
quick reference guide full of helpful hints, insights and essential
information. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
How did it start?
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for
24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington,
raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society
fight the nation’s biggest health concern – cancer.
A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight
event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life
movement has grown into a worldwide
phenomenon, with Relay For Life events now held
in over 6,100 communities across 20 countries. In
Australia, Relay For Life began when the Victorian
community of Murrumbeena raised over $75,000
for Cancer Council in 1999.
6,100
Relay For Life events are now
held in over 6,100 communities
across 20 countries
Today, Relay For Life is in
every state and territory, and
raises over $24 million across
the country each year for the
cancer fight.
Hope Lives In Relay For Life 2
What makes a Relay special?
Many moments create the unique Relay For Life experience. Although
every event is different, there are key moments at all Relays, no matter
where they are held. These include:
Celebrate
Remember
The Survivors and Carers Lap
Candlelight Ceremony
The first lap at each Relay For Life event
honours cancer Survivors and Carers.
As they walk the track, proudly wearing their
coloured sashes, participants gather to cheer
from the side line and applaud their courage
and strength. It’s a chance to recognise and
celebrate those who have overcome cancer
or are undergoing treatment, as well as those
who give their time, love and support to
others facing cancer.
As dusk settles, it becomes a time
to remember. Candle tributes are lit in
honour of loved ones lost to cancer, or in
support of someone living with cancer.
They line the track, inscribed with personal
messages of love, remembrance and hope,
glowing through the night and inspiring
Relayers as they walk.
Fight Back
Fight Back against cancer
One of the key outcomes of Relay For Life is to unite
communities in raising awareness and much needed
funds to fight cancer. Throughout the entire event,
Relay participants are encouraged to pledge what
they are willing to do for themselves, for loved ones,
and for the community to fight cancer year-round.
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Hope Lives In Relay For Life 4
Your role as a Team Captain
As the Team Captain, it’s your job to get your Team prepared
for the Relay. So here’s some tips to help you on your way:
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Get started and grow your Team
Now that you’ve registered, personalise
your Relay For Life fundraising webpage.
Customise your page by uploading photos,
sending emails and communicating with your
supporters and Team members.
How to raise hope - Aim High
Think about how much you and your Team
want to raise. Now add $100. The more you
raise, the more we can keep up the good
work and save lives.
Recruit family, friends and workmates,
no matter where they’re from or how old
they are, to sign up as a Team member.
Your local Cancer Council office will have all
the information you need on under 18 and
supervision requirements.
Whatever your fundraising
efforts, remember it is making
a real difference.
Fundraising in a few easy steps
It’s easy to think big when you break up your
fundraising goal into smaller steps.
There is no time like the present to plan
your fundraising activities all year round!
Use the thermometer poster to help you
plan how much you want to raise. The earlier
you fundraise, the earlier you can bank your
funds, which means more time to set up your
campsite and enjoy the big day and night.
It also means we can announce your total at
the Relay for everyone to hear and celebrate.
TIP: Remember to thank all the wonderful people
who supported you along the way and who were
generous enough to make donations. Saying
thank you goes a long way!
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It just takes one
person to make
a difference!
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Ask Survivors and Carers to join you
Do you know someone who is a cancer
Survivor? Why not ask them to be on your
Team, or to come to the opening of the event
to walk in the Opening Lap? And rally them
to bring their Carers along. Recognising
Survivors and Carers is a very important part
of Relay For Life and all are welcome.
Bring the fun and get creative
Put your thinking cap on to plan your Team
theme, campsite decorations and costumes.
It all adds colour to the event. While it’s not
compulsory to dress up, many Teams do.
From super heroes of hope to clowns, pirates
and space outfits, dressing in theme is a great
way to get your Team having fun.
Get ready for the Relay
Be sure to come to Relay prepared! Here’s a
quick list of things that all Teams should have
handy for Relay For Life...
• Tent(s) for your campsite
• Your Relay For Life shirt
• Walking/running shoes
• Proper clothing (extra clothing) for weather
(long pants, shorts, jumper, raincoat, shoes etc)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
•Toiletries
• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, pillows,
blankets, esky, cutlery, cups, water bottle,
food and drink)
• Outdoor chairs and table
• Decorations for your campsite
• Costumes for your Team
• Torch and spare batteries
•Camera
• Extra money for on-site vendors
• Your Team!
Please leave at home
• Pets (guide dogs and service dogs
are welcome)
• Bikes, scooters or roller blades
• Cigarettes - Relay For Life is a smoke free event
Our local volunteer committee will be in touch to arrange Team information meetings.
As Team Captain you should attend.
For more information or tips, please call 1300 65 65 85 or visit relayforlife.org.au
Hope Lives In Relay For Life 6
Your money at work
No matter why you take part in Relay, one thing is clear: with every step you take,
you are helping Cancer Council save lives. Here’s how your money helps:*
*Services may vary State to State
10
5
$
25
$
100
$
$
Can help us give a newly diagnosed
cancer patient important support and
information resources to help them
through their cancer journey.
$
Can help transport cancer patients
to and from hospital for treatment.
$
Can help provide free accommodation
for cancer patients, their families and
carers during treatment.
Can help offer free exercise programs
to help cancer patients build strength
and fitness during and after treatment.
50
Can help the Cancer Council Helpline
13 11 20 provide free and confidential
information and support on all aspects
of cancer.
500
Can help pay an overdue electricity,
phone, gas or rates bill for a cancer
patient who has not been able to work.
How to raise $150 in 10 days
People are usually happy to give when they are asked to!
• Day 1: Put your own $10 in
• Day 2: Ask your partner or a family member for $10
• Day 3: Throw a raffle and sell each ticket for $5
• Day 4: Ask two of your co-workers for $5 each
• Day 5: Email three friends and ask them to donate $10 online
• Day 6: Mow a neighbour’s lawn for $10
• Day 7: Cook a friend dinner in exchange for a $10 donation
• Day 8: Ask two people from your local church or community group for $10
• Day 9: Ask your boss for $10
• Day 10: Sell six Candle Bags for $5 each
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Did you know?
As a charity, we rely on the goodwill of
thousands of donors, fundraisers and
dedicated supporters to help us fund talented
researchers, community-based prevention
programs and world-class support services.
Hope Lives In Relay For Life 8
‘It was such a wonderful event and we
met so many amazing and passionate
people – together we were able to take
steps towards fighting back.’
Christine Maunder Team Captain
60%
Here
One in two
Australians will
be diagnosed with
cancer by the age
of 85.
Sixty per cent of cancer patients
will now survive five years after
their diagnosis.
300
Every day 300 people are
diagnosed with cancer
– prostate, bowel, breast,
melanoma and lung are
the most common cancers.
100,000 $3.8b
Your money helps us answer over 100,000
calls to our Cancer Helpline (13 11 20)
Cancer costs more than $3.8 billion
in direct health system costs each year.
in a cancer-free future
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Hope Lives In Relay For Life 10
Thank you for
fighting back
through
Relay For Life
Thank you so much for choosing
to be an important force in the
fight against cancer.
Your efforts are helping raise vital
dollars, inspire others to join, and
spread the word about Relay For Life.
‘Relay For Life
reminds me how
precious life is and
that each and every
moment counts.’
It’s the unique enthusiasm and
passion of our Team Captains that
make Relay For Life the worldwide
cancer fighting movement it has
become.
Again, thank you for all your time
and energy you have invested in
fighting back against cancer.
Sharon Cohrs
Breast Cancer Survivor
Register.
Participate.
Donate.
1300 65 65 85
relayforlife.org.au
CAN 4146 07/13
facebook.com/RelayForLifeAustralia