Heidi VanLith
Special to The Chief
The Canadian Cancer Society is gearing up to "make cancer history" with its second annual Relay For Life fundraiser in Squamish with a Kick-Off and Captain's Meeting on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Adventure Centre.
"We brand the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life as a celebration of survival and a tribute to the lives of loved ones who have been touched by cancer," said Tamsyn Morote, Relay For Life coordinator for Squamish and the North Shore. "It's 12 hours of fun, friendship and fundraising to beat cancer. Communities from coast to coast, taking up the fight."
Last year, 20 teams generated $75,000, exceeding their benchmark by $15,000. This year the goal is $132,000 and for at least 35 teams to run or walk laps throughout the night at Brennan Park.
The 20 teams registered to date include financial institutions, school teams, individual groups and family outfits, as well as the Totem Hall and The Adventure Centre.
"We're hosting the Relay kick-off because we'd also like to see people come out who want to know more about the Relay, participate, or volunteer," said Morote adding that interested individuals don't have to commit, but can attend simply for information, to watch a short movie about the Relay, and to enjoy coffee and snacks donated by Pause Café.
Captains, who have already registered for the fight to beat cancer, are asked to attend the meeting to collect their official pledge books and Team Captain Guides.
"The Team Captain Guides are perfect for those who've never come out or just not sure what to do," explained Morote. "It offers help and advice, things to bring to the relay, and basically helps tell you what you should know about being a team captain."The Relay begins with a Survivor's Reception for cancer survivors, their caregivers, and families and performances by the children from Totem Hall. A Victory Lap follows, which includes all the teams and finally the Relay starts and runs throughout the night.
"Teams are given an area to set up a campsite," said Morote. "Last year, some teams brought barbecues and sofas, even mini-generators. Some had quite the spread."
Chevron is supplying tea and coffee all night to keep the teams awake and beaming.
"At dusk we have a Luminary Ceremony where people light a candle inside of a paper bag and run one lap in silence," said Morote, adding that the official bags can be bought through the Canadian Cancer Society. "That's the emotional part of it. It reminds us that this is why we're here."
Teams are also encouraged to host their own fundraisers to increase their pledges. Last year, a team named Pura Vida raised $5,000 through an event at Pépe and Gringos. Pura Vida team members are planning another independent fundraiser again this year.
"It's really exciting to see how this event is growing and to see the community coming together for this cause," said Morote.Captains can register their teams at the Kick-Off for $35 or online at www.cancer.ca for $30. After March 1, the registration fee increases by $5 and closes May 20th.
The Relay is scheduled for June 23 to 24. For more information contact Tamsyn Morote at 604-898-1012 or email [email protected].
