Arana College residents, from left, Dilynn Atkins, Mackenzie Keeling and Zara Bradley (duck mascot) were part of the combined Arana-Studholme team that won the ‘Spirit of Relay’ award at this year’s Relay for Life fundraiser for the Cancer Society.
Residents from the University of Otago’s Arana and Studholme colleges have raised more than $6700 for the Cancer Society through this year’s Ōtepoti Relay for Life, earning both a top-five fundraising ranking and the event’s ‘Spirit of Relay’ award.
Arana College Deputy Warden Camille Reid-Barron says 40 students from the two colleges joined forces for the event at Forsyth Barr Stadium, taking turns to walk or run over 12 consecutive hours in support of cancer research and support services.
Camille says that alongside the relay, the Team Arana-Studholme participants organised creative fundraising activities, including water bombing their respective student presidents and performing a TikTok dance challenge.
The team raised $6770 – the fifth highest total across Dunedin – while also receiving the ‘Spirit of Relay’ award for their efforts, she says.
Cancer Society Southern community funding partner Craig McGregor says the Spirit of Relay award reflects not just fundraising success, but the energy and commitment teams bring to the event.
Craig says that more than 1400 people took part in this year’s Relay for Life, collectively raising $259,615 to support Cancer Society programmes and cancer research in the southern region.
For Arana College resident and Relay for Life participant, Grace Rickett, the event carried personal significance.
“I decided to participate because my great uncle passed away from cancer. It is a really cool event and I’m glad I took part,” Grace says.
Studholme College residents Harry McNay and Caitlin Russell were also part of the combined Arana-Studholme team that won the ‘Spirit of Relay’ award.
Camille says both Arana and Studholme pride themselves on a strong culture of community service, which also involves annual tree planting on Quarantine Island, regular NZ Blood donation drives and frequent community cleanup initiatives.
“Their involvement in Relay for Life has been an annual fixture since 2014, and their joint effort this year has been an exceptionally rewarding experience,” she says.
Studholme College Warden Johnny Nu’u says the combined team highlights the leadership and collaboration fostered in Otago’s residential colleges.
“It is a shining example of the successes that can be achieved when colleges and students come together. We’re super proud of their efforts,” he says.
Teams from Cumberland, Hayward, Knox, St Margaret’s, Salmond, Te Rangihīroa and University College also took part in this year’s event.
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