It was the first time the University had entered a team in the annual fundraiser, and team co-ordinator Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Luamanauvao Winnie Laban is thrilled with the team’s fundraising efforts.
“This money goes towards providing valuable support services for people with cancer, such as counselling, support groups and helping run the cancer patients’ accommodation near Wellington Hospital. It will also contribute to the Cancer Society’s health promotion programmes and cancer research that we hope will mean one day no one has to go through cancer.
“A big part of putting together a team is having staff and students come together to represent the University at this important community event. Like me, a number of staff on the organising committee had cancer, so it’s a special event to be involved in. I’m looking forward to getting an even bigger Victoria team for next year’s event.”
Cancer Society chief executive Michael Smith says it was great to have the University on board.
“Victoria is such a big part of the community, so it was fantastic to see staff and students take part, particularly for me as a graduate. We really appreciate their enthusiasm, energy and fundraising support.”
Wellington’s Relay for Life event raised $428,059.83 from participants’ fundraising alone, up from $280,000 raised in last year’s event, and adding to the $1.3 million raised from Relay for Life events across the country in 2018.
If you’d like to join Victoria’s Relay for Life team for 2019 or join the organising committee, email relayforlife@vuw.ac.nz and we’ll be in touch once planning is underway.