It’s time to register for Relay For Life in the Comox Valley. The annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society will take place at the Comox Valley Sports Centre track on Saturday, June 9, 6 p.m. through to Sunday, June 10, 6 a.m.
Relay For Life is a celebration of cancer survivors, a remembrance of loved ones lost, and a way to support the fight against cancer.
“Relay for Life means people in our community who are faced with cancer have a local place to go and get support,” said Cherie Kamenz, co-ordinator, annual giving for North Vancouver Island. “Relay For Life also funds lodging in Victoria for cancer patients, and programs like Cancer Connect, which allows cancer patients to connect with someone who has faced a similar diagnosis.”
A portion of the proceeds also go to life-saving research, as the Canadian Cancer Society operates with the mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. In 2017, 535 participants on 49 teams raised over $118,000 at Relay For Life in the Comox Valley.
Teams are comprised of four to 20 people who take turns walking around the track throughout the 12-hour overnight, non-competitive relay. Teams are made up of families, friends, neighbours and colleagues. The event is held overnight to remind us that cancer never sleeps. This year’s theme is Disney – When You Wish Upon a Cure! Participants can look forward to lots of food, fun, activities, games, live entertainment and coffee to keep everyone energized through the night. Fade to White, a band composed of current and former Mark Isfeld students, will provide the musical entertainment.
Cancer survivors are the honoured guests and are invited to walk the first lap – the Survivors’ Celebration Victory Lap – to acknowledge and celebrate their courage in their journey with cancer.
Call 250-338-5454 and register to participate in the Survivor’s Celebration Victory Lap and Dinner, and receive a free Survivors’ T-shirt.
A Luminary Ceremony will be held at dusk with the Comox Valley Pipe Band leading the silent lap around the track. Each luminary bears the name of a loved one who has either survived cancer or lost their life to the disease. After the ceremony, the luminaries continue to provide light and inspiration through the night. Every registered participant will receive one complimentary luminary. Additional luminaries can be purchased for $5 each online at relayforlife.ca, at Relay For Life or in advance at the branch office at 102 – 1509 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay.
Over the next month, many teams will be holding fundraisers in our community – watch the Relay For Life Facebook page for details: @relayforlifeincomoxvalley.
For more information on how to register a team or volunteer at the event, contact Kamenz at 250-218-7158, or visit www.relayforlife.ca/