Who will you Relay for?www.relayforlife.org.au

1300 65 65 85

Team Handbook

Relay For Life

Celebrate Remember Fight Back!

WelcomeThank you for participating in Cancer Council Relay For Life.You are now part of the world’s largest fundraising event for cancer, a community of thousands who come together each year to honour the lives of people touched by cancer in Australia and around the world.In 2007, Relay For Life events were held in every Australian state and territory and raised over $14million nationally to support the Cancer Council’s research, education and support programs.Whilst fundraising is an important goal, Relay For Life is more than just that: it’s an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate those who have survived cancer, and to honour those we have lost to this terrible disease. Each day we are working hard to control cancer and reduce its impact on those we love. Today, thanks to advances in cancer research, more than 60% of cancer patients will survive more than five years after diagnosis. Australia has one of the lowest mortality rates of any western country, including the US and UK.But there is still a long way to go, and that’s where you come in. Simply by participating in Relay For Life, you are continuing a legacy of fundraising that began over 20 years ago. On behalf of the Cancer Council, I sincerely thank you for your commitment and wish you well in your Relay. Together, we can beat this disease.

Sincerely,

Professor Ian FrazerPresident, Cancer Council Australia

Best known for his groundbreaking work in developing the world’s first vaccine for hu-man papilloma virus (HPV), Professor Ian Frazer has been the recipient of several high-profile accolades. These include 2006 Australian of the Year; the 2007 Howard Florey Medal for Medical Research and the 2008 Balzan Prize for his work in developing the HPV vaccine. Human papilloma virus is present in almost all cases of cervical cancer and the vaccine developed by Professor Frazer and his team is expected to prevent cervical cancer in millions of women worldwide.

Professor Frazer currently heads the University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and is the President of Cancer Council Australia. A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, he also plays an important role in advising the World Health Organisation on human papilloma virus vaccines.

Relay For Life Cancer Council Relay For Life is a unique, overnight fundraising event that brings communities together in the fight against cancer. Whether you are a cancer survivor, a carer, supporting friends or loved ones, or simply wanting to make a difference, Relay For Life empowers everyone who participates.

Relay is not a race, instead participants take turns to walk or run around the track. Whether you stay for the whole event, camp overnight or just visit and walk a few laps, your commitment and support will make a meaningful contribution to the cancer fight.

HighlightsOpening ceremonyWith all tents pitched and all participants standing by, the opening ceremony sets the tone for the event ahead. As the Relay For Life Oath is read, the faces of the participants tell personal stories of challenge, strength and hope that will drive them through the hours and laps that lie ahead. A countdown signals the start and the Relay begins with the first lap – the Survivors and Carers Walk.

Celebrate Survivors and carers walk The first lap honours cancer survivors and carers who take to the track proudly wearing coloured sashes. All participants gather around the track to applaud the courage and strength shown by those completing the lap. With motivation levels high, all are eager to hit the track as Relay For Life begins with all participants walking the second lap together. Following the second lap, a special reception is held for survivors, carers, VIPs and dignitaries.All cancer survivors and carers are welcome to take part in the walk, whether they are part of a team or not. People who choose to walk as survivors are those who are now cancer-free, and those who are currently undergoing treatment. Carers include those walking with the person they cared for and those walking in honour of a loved one lost.

Please register as a survivor or carer at the registration desk before the Relay begins.

RememberCandlelight ceremony A time to remember, a time for hope.This is the defining element of Relay For Life. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and to show support for those living with cancer. Candle tribute bags line the track inscribed with personal messages of love and support. As they burn throughout the night, they guide and inspire tired bodies to keep on going.

Fight Back!Closing ceremony The final lap at each Relay For Life captures the sense of camaraderie by enabling all team members to walk together and reflect on their achievement. Fond memories and new friendships have been forged under a united hope and belief.Prizes are awarded and the final fundraising total is announced. Participants celebrate in the knowledge that it is the spirit of an entire community that has the power to make a difference. Many participants will choose to make a pledge to Fight Back against cancer. Then it is home for some well-earned rest …until next year.

What to expect at Relay For LifeArrive a couple of hours prior to the Opening Ceremony to set up your camp site – your organising committee will let you know the time the gates will open. Then:

• All Team Captains need to check in at the registration desk at least one hour prior to the Opening Ceremony

• Survivors and carers need to register on the day for the Survivors and Carers Walk

• Gather at the stage for the opening ceremony 10 minutes prior – don’t forget your hat!

• Celebrate with survivors and carers walking in the first lap and then all participants following for the second lap

• Survivors and carers, VIPs and dignitaries are invited to a special reception following the second lap

• Everyone enjoys the food, music, activities and entertainment. Remember to keep well hydrated and protected from the sun

• At dusk, all gather at the Candlelight Ceremony for remembrance and hope

• As a courtesy to local residents, a noise curfew commences late evening through until morning

• Participants walk throughout the night

• Morning brings a free breakfast

• All join in the final lap

• Attend the Fight Back Closing Ceremony where a provisional fundraising amount will be announced and you’ll have the opportunity to make your personal pledge to Fight Back against cancer

• Pack down your campsite and clean up rubbish

• Celebrate your achievement! Well done!

Things to noteRegistration feeThe registration fee covers the administrative costs of participating in Relay For Life as well as the cost of the branded shirts and other kit items. The fee keeps the costs of the event to a minimum and ensures that more of the funds raised go directly to important cancer research, education, and support services for people affected by cancer.

Public liability insuranceRegistration processes, conditions of entry and insurance details differ for each state and territory. Please check your registration form or contact your local office for more information.

Did you know? Relay For Life has grown from a single event in 1985 to become the largest fundraising event in the world. Relay For Life is held in more than 20 countries.

• There are 4500 Relay communities in the US (where it all began), raising over $300 million a year

• Australian participants raise over $14 million for the Cancer Council each year

• Australia celebrated its 10th year of staging Relay For Life events in 2008

• 150 Australian communities participate.

A couple of rules Dogs and petsNo dogs are allowed at Relay For Life events at any time. With children, cancer patients and large numbers of people on the track this rule exists to preserve the comfort and safety of all participants. Seeing-eye dogs are allowed.

SmokingRelay For Life is a smokefree event. We ask all participants to observe the no smoking rule when at the event. This also applies to all fundraising activities.

What your team captain should have received 1. Relay For Life shirts for each registered team member2. Authority to fundraise letter or badge3. Fundraising booklet4. Receipt book 5. Deposit slip

If you have not received any of the above, please speak with your team captain.

Celebrate Remember Fight Back!

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How to fundraiseRelay For Life is a fundraising event to support the Cancer Council’s research, education and support programs - every dollar makes a difference. The most successful fundraising teams set specific fundraising targets to achieve. Teams working together can raise large sums of money with a little imagination and organisation. The best fundraising ideas usually result from working within your networks and exploring your own interests. Here are some tips to get you started and remember, the sky’s the limit.

As a team, write down all the different groups of people you know. Sort these people into groups of similar likes and dislikes, ages, etc.Your groups might be made up of work friends, sports groups, clubs or associations, family, school friends, family friends, etc.

Set up an online fundraising page at www.relayforlife.org.au. Email three friends and ask them to donate $10 each online.

Find leaders within your networks to act as advocates or promoters of your event.Look again at your groups of friends and family and choose 10 of these people to bring 5–10 additional people to your event. This can be a simple and effective way of increasing numbers.

Write down all the activities, interests and hobbies that these groups of friends and family enjoy in their leisure time.Think about the activities these groups of people engage in on the weekend, for example; shopping, movies, dancing, fine dining, playing sport, etc. Think about the special occasions or events that you would usually organise with these groups of people, for example, Grand Final day BBQ, a day at the races, dinner parties, going away for long weekends, attending a ball, etc.

Using the list of interests and groups of people, brainstorm events that the majority of your friends and family might be likely to attend.One or two events dedicated to specific groups is likely to be the most effective way of fundraising. Ideally, create an event or activity that you believe your friends and family will value and support. For example, a large proportion of your friends might be motor racing fans:

Ideas: - Organise a day at the Grand Prix - Throw a house party to watch the event on a big screen - Hold a fancy dress party with a motor racing theme

Think big!In 2004, Brumby’s Babes from the Moonee Valley Relay For Life came up with a fantastic fundraising idea when they realised that many of their friends and family were interested in horse racing. They booked a luncheon at Flemington Racecourse and organised Gai Waterhouse as their guest speaker. To raise money, they charged everyone an entry fee and held raffles and other fundraisers on the day. They also worked to get the support of their local business community through sponsorship and in-kind donations. The event was a huge success, attracting 428 guests and raising over $24,000.

How to raise $150 in 10 daysPeople are usually happy to give when they are asked to.

Day 1: Put your own $10 inDay 2: Ask your partner or a family member for $10Day 3: Place a donation box at your local store or café and aim to raise $10 in coinsDay 4: Ask two of your co-workers for $5 eachDay 5: Email three friends and ask them to donate $10 onlineDay 6: Mow a neighbour’s lawn for $10Day 7: Cook a friend dinner in exchange for a $10 donationDay 8: Ask two people from your local church or community group for $10Day 9: Ask your boss for $10Day 10: Sell six Candle Bags for $5 each

Simple fundraising ideas Please see our Fundraising Booklet for lots of simple fundraising ideas.

Authority to fundraiseAs part of your team kit, each member will receive an authority to fundraise letter or badge giving you permission to raise funds on behalf of Cancer Council. According to Gaming & Racing laws in each state, this authority to fundraise should be produced on request when asking for donations or sponsorship. Please tell your Team Captain if you have not received one.

Healthy and active fundraisingAround a third of all cancer deaths are preventable. Your fundraising event is a great opportunity to help raise awareness of the Cancer Council’s seven lifestyle recommendations that can make a real impact on your community’s cancer risk.

1. Quit smoking2. Be SunSmart3. Eat a healthy diet4. Maintain a healthy weight5. Be physically active6. Limit alcohol

7. Check for unusual changes and have regular screening testsWe ask that you consider these Cancer Council lifestyle recommendations when planning your fundraising ideas. For more information, refer to the Fundraising Booklet.

Things to note about fundraisingFunds raised by teams cannot be accepted at the Relay event as the volunteer committee and staff are unable to safely store money on-site. Please do your banking prior to the event or within four weeks after the Relay for additional funds.Definition: a donor is anyone who wants to give money to support your fundraising efforts without receiving goods or services in return.

• Encourage your friends and family to donate to your team online at www.relayforlife.org.au and they will automatically be issued a receipt for their donation

• If a donor requires a receipt for taxation purposes, complete all details in the receipt book supplied. Keep the carbon copy and give the original to the donor

• It is a legal requirement to return all used and unused receipts and books via your Team Captain to the Cancer Council

• Bank funds regularly before the event using your team deposit book at your state’s nominated bank

• Return all deposit slip stubs to your Team Captain.

Tax issuesAll fundraising activities must meet Gaming & Racing laws and audit requirements in each state. Failure to do so can risk our charity status, so we greatly appreciate your care in this matter.

• A donation of $2 and over, where the donor receives nothing in return, is tax deductible.

• The purchase of a raffle ticket or a ticket to an event is not tax deductible because the donor is receiving a benefit for his / her contribution.

• Team Member registration fees are not tax deductible because team kits are received.

The eventEntertainmentA showcase of local talent keeps everyone entertained during the day and motivates teams well into the night.

FoodBring your own or purchase from food vendors on-site.

Team themesTeams are encouraged to develop a team theme, team banner and to decorate their campsite. We recommend appointing a ‘Theme Master’ for each team. This team member is in charge of choosing a theme, ensuring all team members are in costume and the general theme of the campsite.

PrizesA number of prizes are awarded for outstanding fundraising efforts and for getting into the spirit of Relay For Life. Some events have spot prizes where anybody in attendance might win a prize.

Lap countingAlthough Relay For Life is not a race, many teams like to challenge themselves and record the number of laps completed by a team or individual.

SouvenirsA great way to remember your Relay For Life experience – don’t forget to bring some extra change on the day!

Candle tributesFor a small donation, you can inscribe your own personal message on a candle tribute to honour and support someone living with cancer or in memory of loved ones lost.

SecurityWhilst most Relay For Life events have personnel or volunteers looking after security, participants are responsible for the safety of their own belongings. Participants are advised not to leave any valuables unattended. Please bank all money prior to the event.

Relay is for young and oldRelay For Life is open to all ages. Prams can be pushed around the track, and wheelchairs are welcome. Check with your local volunteer organising committee about the type of walking track and its suitability. All youth teams (teams made up of people under the age of 18 years) must have parent/guardian approval to register. Anyone under the age of 18 years must be supervised by an adult at all times during the event.

Take careMake sure you are healthy enough to walk or run in the Relay and please don’t overdo it. Cancer Council strongly recommends against participants running or walking for the entire Relay period. Please see your doctor if you have any health concerns regarding your participation. It is recommended that you take regular breaks and be aware of early warning signs of dehydration such as tiredness, muscle weakness, dizziness or headaches. First Aid is available at the Relay so please seek assistance if you experience pain or discomfort at any time during the event.

What to pack Don’t forget to pack:• Walking shoes or runners

• Relay For Life shirt

• Jumper or jacket

• Long pants or shorts

• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

• Sun protective clothing

• Wet weather gear (just in case)

• Tent, sleeping bag, pillow and blanket

• Outdoor chair and table

• Esky, cutlery, cups, food and drink

• Torch and toiletries

• Games, cards, a battery powered radio

On the day remember to:• Slip on some protective clothing

• Slop on broad spectrum and water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours

• Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears

• Seek shade

• Slide on some sunglasses that meet Australian Standards

• Drink plenty of water

‘It’s my aim to say I have saved one person’s life with the money we have raised from the Sale Relay. I don’t want to save the world, just one person makes me feel great.’

Bernie Dilon, Sale

‘It is very rewarding to be able to support someone who is going through a similar cancer diagnosis. Relay provided me that opportunity. The whole event is a very moving experience.’

Lyn Rigby, Launceston

Help promote our messagesRelay For Life is an opportunity for teams to promote Cancer Council’s lifestyle recommendations. These include not smoking, being SunSmart, providing healthy food choices and being physically active. Teams also benefit from engaging each other in activities during the Relay that promote these messages.

Sun protectionMost cancers diagnosed in Australia each year are skin cancers. Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes in the midday summer sun. To help reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, you could:

• Cover up from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, Relay shirt and SPF 30+ sunscreen

• Ensure shady spots are readily available at your site, include shade at your campsite

• Do a lap with a tub of sunscreen and offer it to others for a donation!

No smokingThe range of diseases and conditions caused by smoking is frightening, and it’s not just your body that is affected. Your smoking also affects others around you that is why Relay For Life is a smokefree event.

• Sponsor smokers on your team to go without smoking for the entire Relay

• Talk to our staff about running an activity from your campsite.

Physical activityExercise is important to reduce the risk of many cancers. Up to one hour of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day is recommended to reduce your risk of cancer.

• Walking is a wonderful exercise which is one of the reasons Relay is such a great event

• Join in the line dancing, novelty races or yoga offered at your Relay

• Start a volleyball game against other teams and offer a prize.

Eat a healthy diet To reduce the risk of certain cancers, Cancer Council recommends a healthy body weight, regular exercise and a healthy diet.

• Share healthy foods with your team

• Offer fruit and vegetables to other teams in return for a donation

• Take part in the healthy eating activities run during the Relay or talk to our staff about running an activity from your campsite

• Run a guess the weight of the watermelon or an orange stacking competition and offer a prize

Limit alcohol Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the breast, larynx, liver, mouth, oesophagus, pharynx and bowel.

What can your team do?Our staff have some fact sheets about health messages which include suggestions for activities that can be fun and creative ways to fundraise on the day.

Relay For Life conditions of entry Registration processes, conditions of entry and insurance details differ for each state and

territory. Please check your registration form or contact your local office for more information.

www.relayforlife.org.au1300 65 65 85

www.relayforlife.org.au

Celebrate Remember Fight Back!