In previous years they raised upwards of $170,000-$190,000 from Relay for Life alone. Coupled with the other biggest fundraiser, Daffodil Day, the events cover about half their yearly costs.
Without government funding, events like this keep the society going. Without them it wouldn't be able to provide ongoing support and care.
"The big challenge the Cancer Society faces is that a lot of people assume we are government funded. However, there is no government funding and therefore we rely on other fundraising streams to provide free services in supportive care and information, risk reduction and health promotion, research and advocacy."
The money raised each year has enabled funding for the services that have a direct and meaningful impact on those in the community affected by cancer.
Ms Kirk said, "An event like Relay For Life is very meaningful to so many of us who have been touched by cancer in some way, so there is much motivation to do as much as possible."
She noted the Cancer Society does everything from helping people get to medical appointments to providing accommodation and care during treatment.
The Cancer Society Hawke's Bay services reach across the region and include a professional supportive care team in Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay.
The team meets with cancer clients and their families establishing trust and support, in a very practical sense and/or psychosocial, in an endeavour to ease the pathway through treatment and beyond.
Health promotion education sessions, research and advocacy from local to government level, all wrap around the Cancer Society of New Zealand's Mission Statement to "Improving community wellbeing by reducing the incidence and impact of cancer".
Ms Kirk believed the highlight of the event was different for everyone but she loves the survivors walk, when survivors lead the first lap of the event, as well as the candlelight ceremony to remember loved ones affected by cancer.
To support the Cancer Society and all that they do, enter a team at www.relayforlife.org.nz or contact the Cancer Society at the Hawke's Bay office, 207 Nelson St South, Hastings.