It started as an idea …. “What if we staged a relay?”
This was the suggestion from the Community Relations Unit as they considered how BCS might mark its 65th anniversary year.
The relay, which visited 16 BCS locations across NSW and ACT, was aimed at uniting our services, staff, volunteers and supporters, as we give thanks to God for his faithfulness and leading as a Christian care provider.
That little idea grew and soon the BCS “Hands of Care” Relay was conceived.
Realising that a Relay required a baton, creative minds threw ideas around, and finally, our packaged-themed baton was born.
The baton, featuring a King George VI postage stamp and post marks for every Relay location was designed by BCS Graphic Designer.
Inside the baton, copies of a special commemorative news sheet were safely carried to each Relay event, capturing the spirit of how special news was delivered in 1944. The news sheets were then framed and presented to the Relay locations, as a reminder of the special occasion.
A special celebration ceremony will be held at each venue, followed by a thank you lunch, morning or afternoon tea, where BCS will salute the great work of staff and volunteers providing hands of care to BCS clients.
For five months, the BCS Community Relations Unit travelled alongside CEO Dr June Heinrich and Chairman of BCS’ Board, Dr Graham Henderson, meeting staff and sharing in morning teas, afternoon teas, gourmet BBQ lunches and of course, 16 birthday cakes.
Highlights
- More than 120 relay walkers and runners
- Federal and State MPs receiving the baton and affirming BCS’ excellence in care
- Local Mayors welcoming us to their towns
- Elderly residents in wheelchairs and young people living with disabilities proudly leading the relay
- Resident cheer squads complete, with orange, blue & white streamers in the Blue Mountains
- BCS staff travelling long distances to meet colleagues they had never met before
- Wonderful and moving testimonials from care staff
- TV news crews, radio & newspaper journalists covering the events
- A police escort in Parkes
- BBQ lunches, morning & afternoon teas attended by hundreds
- The baton carried through sunshine, rain, drizzle and frost
- Prayers of rededication across NSW and the ACT
As unassuming as the Hands of Care relay baton has been, it has formed the centrepiece of BCS’ 65th anniversary celebratory event and it has been a powerful symbol of what the organisation is all about.
The well-travelled baton has passed through hundreds of hands; the hands of staff, volunteers, residents, clients, supporters, pastors, Members of Parliaments, local Mayors and other civic leaders.
Speeches
“Increasingly in our communities we can identify growing social and personal needs; demand for not-for-profit care services continues to grow. It is our privilege to bring the love of Christ to these people through rolling up our sleeves and providing practical, meaningful and relevant care.” BCS Chief Executive Officer, Dr June Heinrich
“It is a truism to reiterate that our staff remains our most valuable resource …. We thank you for your selfless dedication and total commitment and for the love you show so readily to those for whom you care …” BCS Board Chairman, Dr Graham Henderson
Request your copy of BCS’ Trust magazine to see more of the BCS “Hands of Care” Relay.