Relay for Life participation is exceeding expectations
By Shara JJ Cooper
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is just a week away — it starts June 1 in Grand Forks — but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to sign up.
“You can register right up until the event,” said Stacey Cassidy, program coordinator.
The non-competitive race starts at 10 a.m. and participants will be on the move for 12 hours as they complete laps near the James Donaldson ball diamond – the main location for the event. The first lap is made by cancer survivors.
Participants formed relay teams in the months before the event and will walk, run or roll in a wheelchair as they complete the laps for 12 hours. Each team is comprised of up to 15 participants and this year they have had an excellent turnout, said Cassidy.
They were hoping to have 17 teams and 138 participants, but so far they have 19 teams and 143 participants. Each group finds their own way to fundraise, using tactics like online donation campaigns or holding fundraising events events like carwashes.
Throughout the race, participants and visitors will keep their spirits high through an array of entertainment. For the full 12 hours, there will be live music from local bands plus plenty of games.
“We will be playing upbeat, inspirational music,” said Cassidy.
This year’s theme is “carnival” and each relay time is encouraged to offer a carnival-style game at their perspective booths.
Helping out
Individuals that want to sign up can join a team for $20, but the fee is waived for cancer survivors and their caregivers.
Everyone is welcome to watch the event but they are encouraged to pay a donation at the gate.
For those that want to show their solidarity by shearing their locks, a hair shaving stand will be set up. Anyone can shave their hair, even if it’s just a trim, but natural-coloured tresses that are over eight inches are perfect for making into wigs. The cancer society has a collection of real and synthetic wigs that cancer patients can borrow. They accept cut ponytails at any time of the year.
For more information, check out the Relay for Life’s webpage.
