Abstract
Amount raised: 793,309.28 USD (2,913,900 AED). Background and context: Relay For Life began in the USA in May 1985 when colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to raise awareness around cancer and boost his local cancer charity income. Since then, Relay For Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world. Friends of Cancer Patients launched the region´s first ever Relay For Life in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates with participation of more than 2500 people. Aim: Relay For Life UAE aims to raise awareness around cancer and spread the importance of leading a healthy life style, raise funds to support the FOCP patients mission against cancer, empower the cancer patients and create a community to support them and their families. Strategy/Tactics: Relay is a team fundraising event where members take turns walking around a track for 24 hours. Each team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps. Taking place for the first time in UAE, Relay for Life gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds to support the work of Friends of Cancer Patients. FOCP has organized number of roadshows to explain to the different communities the concept of Relay for Life and how to be part of it. We reached to schools, universities, public events and parks, private and government organization. We offered a customized package for corporates to encourage their employees to participate as volunteers or as relayers. Furthermore, special packages for families were made to make it easy for them to join, while schools and universities student had a free entry. Program process: Press conference, to announce the date and venue of the event and explain to the media what is Relay For Life. Roadshow, to explain to the public what is Relay for Life and drive registration and donations. Opening ceremony. Survivors lap. Celebrate cancer survivors. Remember loved ones lost to cancer. Fight back by raising awareness and donations. Sponsored WiFi offered to all participants. Teams and families participating have the chance to fundraise during the event by selling items or offering services for a donation. Security all over the venue for 24 hours. ATM machine on site. Sponsored water for all participants. Food providers onsite for 24 hours. What was learned: 24 hours Relay for Life UAE has given the community a chance to create a strong community feeling with the cancer patients and their families. The most important lesson learnt was that people with no affiliation with cancer have seen the cancer survivors and how to be strong and never give up.
Published Version
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