More teams welcome to join ‘Relay’

Twenty-one teams have registered to take part in this year’s “Relay for Life” here, but organizer John Rafferty noted additional ones are still welcome to sign up.
“Our target is 25 so if there are four more teams hiding out there, we’d love to hear from them,” he said, adding about 150 participants in all are registered so far.

The event, a significant fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, is running June 27-28 from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. at Pither’s Point Park.
Rafferty said teams should have at least 10 members, with each member raising a minimum of $100.
In related news, a captain’s meeting and “bank night” will be held next Tuesday (June 24) at 7 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous.
“It will give everyone a chance to meet each other,” Rafferty explained. “They’ll find out what activities and entertainment will be going on.
“We’re doing some new things this year so we’re hoping all the teams will participate.”
The bank portion of the evening will allow the captains to bring in pledge forms and money for their team instead of waiting until the day of the event.
“Even if they don’t have all their pledges yet, they can still bring in what they have,” Rafferty noted.
“And it’s easier for our accounting and registration volunteers because it allows them to get a start on things so they don’t spend the whole night of the event counting money.”
Rafferty said this year’s event should be a lot of fun, especially because it is being held in conjunction with the visit from the David Thompson Brigade—a group of 160 canoeists travelling from Rocky Mountain House, Alta. to Old Fort William in Thunder Bay.
“There is going to be a lot going on,” he remarked.
Rafferty also reminded area residents that luminaries are available to purchase.
“I think last year we had close to 1,000 luminaries lining the track and it was quite lovely,” he recalled. “So we’re hoping again that people will choose to remember their loved ones that way.”
Luminaries are candles that are placed in special bags bearing the names of cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with the disease.
They are lit during a twilight ceremony—and are meant to provide light and inspiration to participants throughout the night.
Luminaries cost $5 each, and are available at a number of locations, including Curves for Women, the Northern Lights Credit Union, Royal Bank, Celeste’s, Fort Frances Clinic Dispensary, Fort Frances Dental Centre, Pharmasave, and Tompkins Hardware in Emo.
Luminaries only will be available at these businesses until June 26. After that, they can be purchased during the “Relay for Life” itself.
In addition, any cancer survivors who are interested in being a part of the opening ceremonies of the “Relay for Life” certainly are welcome.
They can register online at www.cancer.ca or they can contact either Rafferty (274-6700) or June Keddie (274-0990).
Teams and volunteers also can register online or call the above individuals.