Survivors join ranks in the battle to beat cancer Saturday morning. Photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – The Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is well underway at Masich Place Stadium in Prince George.

This is the 23^rd annual Relay For Life in Prince George, a community which hosts the only 24-hour relay in Canada to raise funds in the fight against cancer.  And this year’s event also comes on the heels of a milestone relay in 2014, one in which more money was raised here, $600,000 in total, than in any other cancer relay in the country.

This year’s fundraising goal is $550,000 and before the relay even got underway at 10 this morning, $366,000  had already been raised.  The main objective is to raise money for cancer research and for prevention and support programs, but it is also a community gathering which celebrates those who have beaten the disease and those who fought the fight.

The 2015 event sponsor is Allnorth Consulting, and CEO Darby Kreitz told those gathered for the start of the relay that he was proud of his staff for their fundraising efforts.  “This year we set our target at $15,000 and this morning we went across that.  That’s fantastic.  This year we’re walking for 52 people, friends, family and co-workers, some of which, unfortunately, are not in the battle any more, we have some that are still in the battle and then we have some that have beaten the cancer, so that’s exciting for us.”

“The spirit that we have in Masich Place Stadium today is unparalleled on any other day that I’ve ever been in Masich Stadium, so enjoy the day.”

Survivor victory lap, including caregivers, kicks off the Relay For Life

There are several highlights during the 24-hour relay, which runs until 10 Sunday morning:

–Kids’ Play Zone is open till 5pm.

–The Rhythm and Sound Booth run until 6pm

–A helicopter fly-over takes place at 3pm

–Head shaves go at 4pm

–Save-on Foods has a barbecue at 5pm

–And there are several entertainers performing well into the night.  Sound Addiction takes to the stage at 6:30pm; Burn It Down at 8:30, Aimee Paul at 10pm and Rick Stavely at 10:50.

At the relay’s halfway mark, 10 o’clock tonight, the Luminary Ceremony will get underway.  In past years the ceremony has started at midnight but that was moved up a little to give more people a chance to attend.  The luminaries, which are decorated white paper bags containing lit candles, are placed along the inside of the track and the stadium lights are turned off.  Those who lost their battle with cancer and those fighting the disease are remembered in silent observation.  Participants then circle the track carrying their candles.

Everyone is welcome to attend and support the Relay For Life.