The relay committee will use the event as an opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ to Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre.

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Relay chairmanager Kingsley Dalgleish encouraged participants to use labelled canned foods to weigh down candle bags at the event.

The candle bags bear messages of support and remembrance for those touched by cancer.

Mr Dalgleish said the committee would donate the cans to the centre after the event, for the third year in a row.

“This way we are also supporting another important group within our community,’’ he said.

Mr Dalgleish said if people forgot to bring cans, there would be some for sale at the event.

He thanked people for their support of the canned foods drive in the past few years.

“The response in the past has been fantastic,’’ he said.

“While I don't have any actual numbers, there were quite a number of items delivered to the food centre in the past two years. We will have a collection point at the end of the relay for all of the cans.’’

Mr Dalgleish said people could still register to relay at the event, at Horsham’s Coughlin Park.

He said people could donate to teams or individuals at the event or online at relayforlife.org.au.

All money raised goes towards supporting cancer patients and their carers.

Mr Dalgleish said this could be through research grants to help find cures for cancers, or through programs such as support groups, wig programs, respite holidays and prevention programs.

“Unfortunately, 118 people from the Horsham region hear the words ‘you've got cancer’ every year,’’ he said.

“Cancer isn't isolated to metropolitan areas and neither is the work done by Cancer Council Victoria.

“Their research programs are helping Victorians right across the state and, in fact, the world.

“Cancer Connect volunteers and support groups are throughout the Wimmera and all Victorians have access to support through dialling 131120.’’

The Horsham and District Relay For Life starts with the opening ceremony at 6pm on Friday.

The closing ceremony is at noon on Saturday.

Mr Dalgleish encouraged people to head along to the relay to support the teams.

He said Friday night would include a St Patrick’s Day theme and teams would run stalls.

There will also be live music on both days.