Over the last 14 years, the South Taranaki District Council's Relay for Life Team Pride of Purple Passion has raised over $50,000 for the Taranaki Cancer Society.
A range of regular fundraising initiatives throughout the year - mufti days, bake sales, women's evenings, art and craft sales - has meant the team has reached Dream Team status (a name given to teams that raise over $5000) for the last five years.
Team captain Michelle Commerer says that becoming a Dream Team is not about the 'glory' of being tagged – but that each member of the core team is passionate about the cause, affected by cancer in one way or another.
"It is a cause that we all have a personal interest in, one way or another. Cancer has touched so many lives, and we're doing what we can help those affected in our community and to raise cancer awareness with students through the Taranaki Cancer Society," says Michelle. "
It's important to note that the money raised in Taranaki, stays in Taranaki."
Taranaki Cancer Society Centre Manager Meg Rodel says that over 55 per cent of the teams now come from South Taranaki and the Cancer Society is committed to providing services in the district.
"There are a number of free services in Hāwera: We rent an office every Wednesday at Te Ara Pae Trust for our Supportive Care Coordinator to connect with clients. In addition, we offer free oncology massage and counselling and have various groups running for survivors to join.
"Funds raised through Relay for Life have been used to purchase a new shuttle which ferries cancer patients and their carers to and from Palmerston North for treatment every week. None of this would be possible without the teams' fundraising efforts.
"The Pride of Purple Passion team is a marvellous example of what can be achieved through teamwork and a can-do attitude. Their selfless motivation should serve as an encouragement to other teams."
■ The next Relay for Life will be held on March 30 at the TET Stadium in Inglewood – visit www.relayforlife.org.nz for more information about the relay.