A lit candle in a paper bag outside your home is just a symbol – but a powerful one – that when it comes to cancer there is hope at home. 

Residents of Lismore were the first ever in NSW to show their support for people living with cancer by lighting Hope at Home candles.

The Hope at Home candle event was held in place of the annual cancer Council Relay For Life fundraising event for the Cancer Council, which was postponed due to the current pandemic.

Erin Turnbull from the Cancer Council said she put her candle outside on her veranda, so people passing by could see it.

“We are all confined at home, but it was so good to acknowledge the original night of Relay on March 28 and show support for people living with cancer,” Erin said.

“The entire State watched on with love as the Lismore and villages community and Relay For Life participants lit a bag in their homes.”

Erin said on the same weekend, the Lismore & Villages Relay For Life committee held their first virtual major raffle draw and were able to give out four prizes to winners. 

“The Hope at Hope event was so well received that Hope at Hope will now extend to the whole of NSW on Wednesday, April 29, and the entire state will place their Hope at Home bags on their porches in unison,” she said.

“Funds raised through these events will continue to provide local patients with access to pro bono legal and financial assistance schemes and to our Northern Rivers Transport to Treatment service which will help local people get to and from their appointments."

To support the Hope at Home initiative, you can register at any time and purchase your Hope at Home kit or donate, visit http://www.give.cancercouncil.com.au/hopeathome 

Relay For Life