22 March 2010

Relay for Life – IPC team joined the charity walk

By Emu Izaki.

Face painting was very popular with children

IPC and IPU exchange students walking the track

IPC students enjoying colouring in with children

IPC band 'Big Fam' on the stage

"Relay for Life" is an annual fundraising event organised by the Cancer Society of New Zealand to raise awareness about cancer and remember those lives affected by the disease. IPC has been participating in it every year since its start and supported the community spirit. This year's charity walk was their 10th anniversary, held on the weekend of 13th – 14th March at Massey University College of Education.

IPC's team of students, staff and their families as well as exchange students from International Pacific University (IPU), Okayama Japan, was among the 114 teams this year. Each team was given a baton to pass from one member to another while walking for 24 hours around the track without a break.

Along the track were tents pitched by the participants, among which was the 'Children's Booth' of IPC students. They offered entertainment activities for children like origami, calligraphy, colouring-in, and face painting.

Iroha Kobayashi, a main organiser of the booth, said, "A lot of children came this year like before. A little boy I met last year visited our booth again, looking a bit grown up. I felt as if I were his big sister. Many teenagers and parents came to our booth, too, and they enjoyed it as much as the children. It was great! For most IPC students it was the first time to volunteer to help at the booth, but they definitely enjoyed themselves. We could tell by looking at their faces".

Keiko Matsui, another main organiser, mentioned, "It was the first time for me to organise activities for children, so there was some hard work beforehand. But I feel so honoured to have been able to contribute to the event now."

A special stage was set up by the track for music entertainment, and IPC's international student band 'Big Fam' showed up for the mission. The audience stood to move and swayed to their tunes, which also encouraged people on the track to swing their arms and keep walking.

During the 24-hour relay walk, there were other highlights like a 'BBQ Dinner' and a 'Dusk Walk in Candlelight' remembering those who have passed away with cancer. This year more than $271,000 was fundraised and donated to the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

IPC students and staff enjoying the stage entertainment in the sun

IPC's international band 'Big Fam'

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