RIVERSDALE NEWS - Despite weather that chilled one to the bone, 30 brave souls attended the kick-off for Relay for Life on Thursday 27 July at the Riversdale Rugby Club.
The steering committee made a supreme effort to change the ruggedly masculine bar area into an enchanting entertainment venue, using the theme of the Relay 'Purple Power.'
Most of the attendees made the effort to dress in purple. The idea of the gathering was to invite team captains along to get a taste of what Relay for Life is all about.
The evening was run like a mini Relay and was opened by Deutch Reformed minister Jasper van der Westhuizen who gave a sermon based on an anagram of purple.
The entertainment for the evening was a liturgical dance, performed by four enchanting preschoolers wearing purple bow ties and sashes.
Lucinda Viljoen explained the purpose of the Relay - for participants to experience what sufferers go through during their illness, as well to raise funds for Cansa.
Sal Carter introduced the esteemed guests of the evening, the survivors, who then did a victory lap around the hall.
The caregivers came forward to be thanked and appreciated with a touching poem read by Chanel Louw. The team captains were introduced and given special paper hats to wear as a sign of their authority.
The preschool dancers in action.
The highlight of the evening was the luminaria ceremony. Participants who had lost loved ones through cancer were invited to light candles in memory of them and they stood in a circle, wrapped in their own memories while Edwill Jantjies sang a heart rendering solo of Amazing Grace.
Some of the members of the Cansa Relay for Life committee.
Brenda Scholtz thanked everyone who had put so much effort into the evening and Felicity Adams conducted a moving closing ceremony. Afterwards, a light supper was served.
Read a previous article: Relay for Life Skop in Styl af
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