One of the most rewarding parts of our job is getting involved with our local community.
You might see our Community Relations Manager Annemaree Gibson out and about, whether it’s at the Sydney Hills Business Chamber, having a chat with new faces at the local shopping centre or taking entertainer, Dale Ryan to various nursing homes in the Hills.
We’ll be doing a monthly or so rundown of some of the events Annemaree regularly holds or attends. In this blog we’re highlighting a very special event, The Hills Relay for Life
2014 Hills Relay for Life
On 3rd and 4th May this year, Annemaree joined thousands of people from the community at the 13th Hills Relay for Life.
104 teams – made up of 1143 participants represented by local businesses and the community – walked for 24 hours to raise money for vital cancer
research.
The event begun with an Opening Ceremony where the event ribbon was cut and cancer survivors and carers walked the first lap – a truly memorable sight. The weekend was full of socialising, various talks, music, and of course, celebration.
This year they raised just under $300,000 for the Hills chapter, just one of many international Relay for Life events for the same cause.
It was our third year getting involved and surely not our last.
The Value of Community
“Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.” – Lin Yutang
One of the most memorable moments of the Hills Relay for Life was the Candlelight Ceremony of Hope, for which everyone and everything paused to reflect.
We each placed a candle in a paper bag that was inscribed with our messages for cancer survivors, carers, friends and family, and for anyone we’d lost. Thousands of people then walked the same track in darkness and a penetrating silence. It was incredible.
Our stories and journeys differ greatly but cancer can touch any of us.
If there was one thing louder than anything else this year, it is the immense value of community. Togetherness is a gift in a world that prides itself on individualism.
Who wouldn’t want to become pals with (people in) Darth Vader (suits) or start dancing with Scotsmen in kilts at events like these? True stories. We might be different people but we’re still able to relate to the same things and fiercely egg each other on.
Relay for Life achieved what it set out to do, and that’s make us all warm and fuzzy inside.
Where else will you find Annemaree?
Hills Relay for Life is just one of the community events that Annemaree attends and that we are passionate about at Hills Family Funerals.
Annemaree also regularly rolls up her sleeves to donate blood for the Australian Red Cross. She is a member of the Sydney Business Chamber and regular face at seniors’ days, memorial services, raffles, presentations, and the annual Hills’ ANZAC Day March.
She and Hills Family staff even camped out at the Mayor’s Sleepout recently to raise funds for homeless people in the Hills! Would you like to hear more about it on the blog?
Annemaree loves bringing the community together. Do you?
What do you love about your community?
RELATED ARTICLES