When a colleague first mentioned Border Relay For Life a few years ago Debbie Reid really didn’t know much about the annual fundraiser.
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But once the staff at Goodstart Early Learning decided to form a team for the 24-hour Cancer Council relay, it quickly became a tradition.
“So we just winged the first year and then every year we just build it up a little bit,” Mrs Reid said.
“We don’t make millions, but every year it’s a bit more, this year we’re aiming for $10,000, next year we’ll aim for 11.”
The 2018 relay next weekend brings some extra feelings as a Goodstart Albury Pemberton Street family has been battling childhood leukaemia since late last year.
“When you see it firsthand, it makes it worse,” Mrs Reid said. “Makes you feel more emotional to see a little child.
“Because that’s what it’s about, just protecting our children from that dreaded disease.”
Staff and families from Pemberton Street, Banff Avenue, Lavington, Thurgoona, Corowa and Wodonga make up Goodstart 2018, which sells fairy floss at the relay.
“The kids like watching us make it; it’s good for the kids and easier for us – it is messy though,” the team captain said with a laugh.
This year for the first time volunteers from Goodstart will be involved in Kidszone, which also features Arty Pants Entertainment doing face painting and balloons and Border Bouncy Castles.
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“Each centre’s donated something out of their art and craft and they’ve got a big box and they just decorate the box and then they’re having a race,” Mrs Reid said.
“We have a roster and every centre’s going to have an hour in the zone so it’s not just the same people.”
Because the team members also find time to relay.
“The Hope Ceremony is beautiful,” she said.
“Everyone does laps, a couple of us stay overnight.
“It’s just relaxing, it’s not like you’re tensed up the whole time, security and like that, you don’t feel that there’s anything that’s going to harm you.
“It makes you feel like a community that’s helping other people.”
Border Relay For Life will be held October 27-28, Birallee Park, Wodonga. More details on Cancer Council website or Facebook.
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