Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School hosted a liturgy at Surf Beach on Wednesday as part of the event’s ‘‘Purple Day’’.

During the ceremony, students from the Catholic school spelt out ‘‘hope’’ with purple paper flowers. 

Students then placed the flowers throughout their classrooms.

Students also made a gold coin donation, raising about $360 for the Relay.

Cancer Council’s Relay for Life is an overnight event for the community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember lost loved ones and fight back against the disease.

Organisers of the 2014 event aim to reach 1000 registered participants, while turning the town purple leading up to the event.

They hoped painting the town purple on Wednesday would create an engaging atmosphere.

Principal Jacqueline Lee said the school was proud to support the event, and was pleased with the students’ respectful participation.

‘‘We’re remembering those we’ve lost, and acknowledging those currently battling cancer, while providing hope for them now and into the future,’’ she said.

Miss Lee said students had been educated about cancer awareness.

‘‘It would be rare for anyone to have not been touched by cancer,’’ she said.

‘‘It is such a common disease we need to find a cure for.

‘‘It’s important for our school to support a community event such as Relay for Life.

‘‘We wish the Relay well, and hope it not only raises funds for research, but people find some hope from the Relay.’’

Relay committee member Loretta Stegga was encouraged by the school’s ‘‘just brilliant’’ efforts.

‘‘A lot of shops have done it (turn purple) - balloons, streamers, the works,’’ she said.

‘‘They’ve got really behind it.’’

Kiama Relay for Life will take place at the Kiama Leisure Centre on May 3-4.

Visit relayforlife.org.au or phone 4223 0200 for more details.