Fresh new development has the Gold Coast’s Broadwater Parklands looking remarkable at any time of day. Although on Thursday evening, the 8th of October the parklands looked extra-special. From the Australia Fair shopping centre, which overlooks the Broadwater Parklands, the area, could have been mistaken for a sea of glowing jellyfish as the sky reflected gold, white and blue illuminated balloons. Hundreds of people came along to support the Gold Coast’s first ever Light the Night walk held by the local branch of the Leukaemia Foundation Queensland.

The Gold Coast’s debut event was an evening filled with inspiration. Illuminated balloons were carried – Gold for remembrance of loved ones lost to cancer, white for celebration of those in remission, and blue to give hope for those who are battling cancer. Hundreds of walkers – children, adults and seniors, formed a community of care, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.

More Queenslanders had the opportunity to be involved in Light the Night than ever this year as the event expanded into venues across the state following its enormous success last year. This year,  Light the Night events were held in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

Supporters joined in on a leisurely 2.5k walk around the parklands, which was lead by local horseback police officers. Walkers talked and laughed as they strolled up and down the Parkland’s modern jetty.

The event was organized with the help of many hardworking volunteers. Supporters collected their balloons upon arrival, which were attached to clever wands with small torch-lit ends to illuminate colours. Supporters also participated in a memento writing activities on coloured cards to match the nature of their support. The mementos were displayed along a wall for everyone to view. An education marquee was erected at the parklands, where the Australian Red Cross took the opportunity to inform visitors about the disease. Entertainment was provided throughout the night by the A B Paterson Big Band and the Banana Blenders close harmony group.
According to the Leukaemia Foundation website, approximately 21,000 people in 20 capital cities and regional centres across Australia took part in this years Light the Night events. In total, nationwide participants raised over $1.3 million for patients and families affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.
“Light the Night gave me an opportunity to reflect on a loved one lost and also connected me with others who had lost, those in remission and inspired positive mind-set for those who are battling cancer.”
Bereaved, Gold Coast

“A momentous and thoughtful event. It was lovely to see friends, family and fellow supporters and share the experience and each other’s stories. The walk with lit balloons was a highlight for me; we even caught a falling star.”
Supporter, Gold Coast

Light the Night will be back in spring 2010. If you’re interested in attending a capital city walk in 2010,
or staging a smaller event in your local area, call the Leukaemia Foundation on 1800 500 088.

Top Fundraisers at the Gold Coast Night the Light celebration:
1. Lucy Medeiros-Foo – $10,031.90
2. Privacy requested – $1,593.95
3. Beverley Sparks – $1,049.00
4. Kevin Seivers – $800.00
5. Wendy Sio – $701.00
6. Sharni Bodna – $665.00
7. Kayla Finlayson – $580.00
8. Helen Dyball – $540.00
9. Jo Smith – $520.00
10. Graham Bradley – $360.00
11. Brittany Hennekam – $350.00
12. Kerryn McCarthy – $280.00
13. Meagan Linsell – $240.00
14. Julia Worner – $210.00
15. Faith Vaggs – $180.00
16. Joanne Rooks – $150.00
17. Crystal Ellison – $130.00
18. Kellie Duckworth – $110.00
19. Kylie Ryan-Milroy – $100.00
20. Sue Brooks – $100.00

Top Teams at the Gold Coast Light the Night celebration:

1. Smiles All the Way – $10,031.90
2. The hard cells – $2,406.00
3. Sharni B – $1,556.00
4. Rainbow Team – $560.00
5. Starlights ON-Q – $440.00
6. Pepe’s Team – $350.00
7. Gia’s Army – $282.00
8. McCarthy ‘Princess Alex’ – $280.00
9. Team LUV IT! $240.00
10. Cua Harbour Town – $200.00
11. Pussy Cats – $130.00
12. The Wally B Team – $55.00
13. Trish’s treasures – $20.00

Learn more about Light the Night at:
http://www.lightthenight.org.au/

Story  by Kayla Finlayson for The Argus