Paint the Town Purple 2015: Wimmera businesses urged to jump on board

The annual Paint the Town Purple event is on October 5 to 9. It is the official launch of the Horsham and Districts Relay For Life, in March 2016.

Committee member Tami Lane said Paint the Town Purple allowed businesses to dress their windows in purple to show their support for the Relay For Life and Cancer Council Victoria.

She said there was also a competitive edge for businesses.

The window display judged as the best will win four nights in Queensland for one of the business’s employees, donated by the Wimmera Mail-Times.

Mrs Lane said businesses and staff could show their support in a unique way during the week.

“Businesses can get involved in many ways, it doesn't just have to be your shop window,’’ she said.

“They might choose to use a foyer, office, wall, garden area or a front fence. We want you to be creative, what does Relay For Life mean to you? Does it make you think of a special memory? Is there a symbol that comes to mind? The list could be endless.’’

Relay For Life committee members have been visiting Wimmera businesses to spread the news.

Mrs Lane said a five-year-old boy asked what she was doing when she visited one business.

“I explained to him that my hope was for the all shops in Horsham to all decorate their windows so we could cheer up those people who weren't feeling very well from something called cancer,’’ she said.

The little boy’s response moved Mrs Lane to tears. “He said, ‘My Nan died from cancer, but do you know when it rains I look up in the sky and she's there? She's a rainbow’,’’ she said.

“This took me back for a few moments, how words from the innocence of a child can make even the darkest of moments bright again. I walked away with a smile, for that one child reaffirmed why I choose to relay.’’

Mrs Lane said businesses should register for the event by calling her on 0417 002 237 or emailing horshamvic.relayforlife@gmail.com. She said people could also visit Relay For Life – Horsham and Districts on Facebook and leave a message with the business name and contact details.

Businesses should have their windows dressed by Monday, October 5, ready for the week. The judges will announce the winner on October 9.

Mrs Lane encouraged businesses to take photos of their displays and share them on the Facebook page. She said Caltex Horsham owner Hollie Winfield had donated two $50 fuel vouchers for random prize winners.

She thanked Caltex, the Wimmera Mail-Times and Gale Signs, which painted Caltex Poolside purple, for their support.