AFTER regional Victoria was plunged into another lockdown over the weekend, organisers made the decision to cancel Bendigo's Relay for Life event.
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The event, which had been moved to August 28, raises money for the Cancer Council and recognises and celebrates local cancer survivors, patients and their carers along with honouring and remembering loved ones lost to cancer.
While organisers were hopeful to get the event back on its feet, committee member Athol Frederick said cancelling was the only option.
"It was a very difficult decision, but one that we had to make," he said.
"After hearing the news over the weekend and being put into lockdown, we just couldn't go ahead.
"We would usually have our event in autumn so to move it to late winter was going to be odd anyway, but unfortunately we will probably have to wait until next year."
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A shorter one-day format was scheduled for this year's event and was limited to 300 attendees, many of whom have worked hard in raising much needed funds for a disease.
Cancer Council Victoria head of fundraising and communication Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved was most important.
"While the cancellation of the event is incredibly disappointing, nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and supporters," she said.
"I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to planning for and supporting the Bendigo Relay For Life event so far. I know this will be a real disappointment to the committee and broader community in Bendigo."
Ms Fleming-Parsley said COVID-19 greatly impacted the number of Victorians taking part in cancer screening programs last year, as well as the number of people going to their doctor if they had symptoms or noticed a change.
"The far-reaching impacts of COVID-10 could mean potentially later diagnoses and worse outcomes for people affected by cancer. Now more than ever we need your support to continue providing our vital services to cancer patients and their families," she said.
"Thank you for all your wonderful work in supporting Cancer Council's vital services through Relay For Life, and for your patience and understanding during these challenging times."
Mr Frederick said despite two cancellations in two years, the event had still raised a significant amount of money for the cause.
"We have still raised more than $90,000 in the last two years towards research and support services for all cancers - which is a tremendous effort," he said.
"Bendigo's Relay for Life is one of the most successful ongoing Relays in Victoria - having raised in excess of $3.6m since 1999 for Cancer Council Victoria.
"I think that's a real testament to the people of Bendigo and their support for so long."
Despite no physical event, people are still encouraged to donate and buy tickets for the upcoming raffle.
"We can't sell the tickets in person, but if people contact me, I can help them out with buying tickets," Mr Frederick said.
"And we're hoping to still draw the raffle on Saturday."
The winner will get the chance to eventually enjoy seven nights at Port Douglas or a shorter break closer to home at either Daylesford or on the shores of Lake Mulwala.
If you would like to buy a raffle ticket, you can send through a text to Mr Frederick on 0428 510 518.
You can also find more information online at www.relayforlife.org.au or phone 1300 65 65 85.
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