The Great Lakes Relay for Life committee has taken out the volunteer team of the year award for the Mid North Coast region at the Volunteer of the Year Awards, held in Port Macquarie recently.
The awards cover the area stretching from Tea Gardens to north of Coffs Harbour, essentially, most of the Mid North Coast.
The Relay for Life committee will now be entered into the overall State 2018 volunteer of the year award which will be announced on November 30 at a ceremony in Sydney.
Chairman, Terry McDermott said this year’s relay wasn’t without drama.
“Firstly, the venue was washed out in the days leading up to the event so it was rescheduled,” he said.
“The rescheduled relay was going well until a freak storm hit on Saturday night, wiping out the whole area and causing a premature end to this great event. Fortunately no one was injured.”
Nevertheless, the event raised $62,209, an incredible achievement considering how small the Great Lakes region is compared to others such as Coffs and Port Macquarie, Mr McDermott explained.
“So the whole Great Lakes area should be extremely proud of this fantastic result.”
Mr McDermott also emphasised that while his committee consisted of only eight people, their passion for the cause was what separated them from other organisations.
“They are a great group to work with,” he added.
The team has helped raise almost $500,000 since its inception.
The NSW Cancer Council returns money to the area through initiatives such as transport to treatment, financial assistance, counselling and many other services.
Fingers crossed for the NSW Volunteer of the Year State Awards.
