January 6, 2015
1758
The Canadian Cancer Society Bluewater Community Office is making some bold changes to its Relay For Life event.
Fund-raising co-ordinator Brenda O'Neill says last year, there were five relays planned, but this year, there will be just three: Kincardine, Hanover and Saugeen Shores.
"All relays in Ontario will now be held in June which means a date change for Kincardine and Hanover which were both previously in August. The Owen Sound relay was in mid-September so it will take a year off and be reintroduced in June, 2016. As well, the three 2015 events will take place on Saturdays and will now run from 12 noon until midnight."
Kincardine's Relay for Life is slated for June 20, at the Davidson Centre track.
Back by popular demand, are relay batons, says O'Neill. "At Relay For Life in 2015, participants will pass the baton from teammate to teammate as they walk the track. As research shows that physical activity can help prevent cancer, participants will be encouraged to set a distance goal for the event (e.g. one to 10 kilometres) on an individual or team basis. Also new for 2015, will be pre-event walking sessions led by volunteer training walk leaders."
This year marks the 16th anniversary of Relay For Life in Ontario, says O'Neill. Last year, events in communities and schools across the province raised more than $14-million. Money raised at Relay For Life helps local patients and their families living with cancer; and helps fund life-saving research and other important work so that fewer Canadians are touched by the disease.
"In 2015, to help participants meet or exceed a fund-raising goal of $150, the Canadian Cancer Society will be providing motivational participant coaching to all registrants," says O'Neill.
“We are very excited to be evolving and strengthening our signature fund-raiser," says Geoff Van Geem, manager of the Canadian Cancer Society's Bluewater Community Office.
"We’re looking to take this powerful event to the next level and leave Relay For Life participants captivated by the experience and engaged in the Canadian Cancer Society’s important work of creating more survivors every day. We are evolving Relay For Life to help raise more money to fight cancer and help people facing cancer now.
"It’s important to note that we could not accomplish this important work without the dedication of our generous event participants, donors, volunteers, sponsors and staff. We are very thankful for their past support and invite everyone to be part of Relay For Life in 2015!”
For more information, check the website at relayforlife.ca/kincardine
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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