Prince George Rallies Around Relay For Life
Saturday, May 11, 2013 @ 5:12 AM
Prince George, B.C. – The goal this year is to be number 1 in fundraising. That is one of the main focal points of organizers of the Canadian Cancer Society’s 21st annual Relay For Life in Prince George.
The $494,000 raised at last year’s event here was the second-highest in all of Canada, behind only Coquitlam. This year’s relay aimed at raising the most funds in the country for cancer research, prevention and support for those living with cancer runs from 10 this morning to 10 Sunday morning at Masich Place Stadium. It is the only Relay For Life in Canada that runs for a full 24 hours.
Now the relay here has become a community-wide event, and in that vein the Cancer Society is holding a Pack the Track assembly just before the relay kicks off. Everyone in the city, relay participant or not, is invited to gather on the track at the stadium at 9:45 a.m. in a 15-minute display of support for the cancer drive. The relay officially begins at 10 a.m. with a tremendously impactful victory lap by cancer survivors.
This year’s relay has a record number of registered participants who have signed up as a “24 Hour Relayer.” At last word 23 people had committed to walking the track from the start of the event to the finish, more than double the usual total. However, Helen Owen, Team Lead for the Relay For Life, says that number typically goes up when hearty souls step forward the morning of the event. Owen says there are 1,578 registered participants so far, slightly fewer than normal, “but the number of teams is higher than usual, with 154 teams taking part.”
There are several attractions at this year’s relay, including activities for children, live music and a dunk tank. Just Goode Foods will operate a 24-hour concession. As well, at 4:30 this afternoon several people will hop up onto the main stage to have their heads shaved in support of cancer patients. There’s a barbecue from 5 to 7 pm with meals available for a minimum $5 donation. At 7 pm the Canadian Cancer Society celebrates its 75th anniversary with cake.
The luminary ceremony in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to cancer, to celebrate those who have beaten the disease and to support those who are waging war against cancer will be held at midnight.
Sunday morning features a draw for a 2013 car. Registered relay participants will have one ticket in a barrel for every $500 they’ve raised. There is a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 am, minimum $5 donation. And the relay wraps up with a fight back ceremony at 9:45 a.m. followed by closing ceremonies and one final lap.
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