By GARRY HOWE AND DANIELLE GALVIN
COMMUNITY spirit in Pakenham was strong on Friday night with the official launch of the Kylie Blackwood Foundation and the start of the Cardinia Relay for Life.
Just kilometres apart, cancer survivors and carers kicked off the first lap of the Toomuc Reserve for the 18-hour walk-a-thon while 450 people converged on the Cardinia Cultural Centre to raise money for the cause following the murder of Pakenham mum Kylie Blackwood last August.
The dinner to launch the foundation raised $68,000 for programs to help stamp out violence against women and help raise awareness of the issue.
It represented the largest single fund-raising event under the banner of the White Ribbon Campaign, but it was never really about the money.
The night was more about a community showing it cared and for Peter Blackwood to say thanks for that support.
“There was a lot of warmth in the room – we certainly felt that,” Peter said.
“The night’s success was never going to be just about the dollars.
“It was about a wonderful community coming together, being there to help and support my family.”
Peter urged all those present to take a stand on violence against women to prevent anyone else having to endure what he and his family had gone through in 2013 – a year, he said, they all wanted to forget.
Trustee Brian Paynter said the fact that tickets to the event sold out within a week showed the strength and spirit of the community.
At the reserve that night, the spirit and togetherness was just as evident.
Cancer Council Relay for Life organiser Michael McKenzie said close to 600 participants attended, including more than 100 carers and survivors.
“We announced that all teams raised just shy of $50,000 but it is expected in the four weeks post-event, we will raise upwards of $60,000,” he said.
“All the credit goes to the incredible volunteer committee that donates so much of their time to put on such an amazing event.”
Cancer survivor Lisa Westphal said no one should have to fight cancer alone.
For more coverage on both events, pick up a copy of the Gazette.
