‘Relay’ tops $73,000

While the numbers aren’t finalized yet, this year’s “Relay for Life” already has brought in $73,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society—with some pledges still to be counted.
“We feel it was a success,” said Louise Kahler, co-chair of the organizing committee.
The last “Relay for Life” here, held in June, 2004, raised $50,120 while the ones in 2002 and 2003 raised about $70,000 each.
More than 320 registered participants on 25 teams took part in the “Relay,” which began with a “Victory Lap” for cancer survivors and their families at 7 p.m. on Friday out at Pither’s Point Park.
Team members then walked throughout the night until 7 a.m. on Saturday.
“Everybody seemed to have a good time,” Kahler noted.
Walkers plodded on through the night despite the high humidity and forecasts for rain and thunderstorms, which fortunately never materialized.
The opening ceremony featured a performance by the “Relay for Life” junior choir, directed by Diane Maxey and June Caul.
The choir was followed by remarks from dignitaries, including Pat Ramirez, director for the Northwest Region for the Canadian Cancer Society, local MPP Howard Hampton, Fort Frances Coun. Todd Hamilton, and Wendy Botsford for local MP Ken Boshcoff.
“I wanted to congratulate all the people who worked so hard to organize this,” Hampton said, noting there were participants here from across Rainy River District.
“That’s a great effort. I think it speaks really well for everybody.”
“Let’s celebrate those people who survived and let’s remember those who didn’t,” he added.
Coun. Hamilton, a cancer survivor himself, participated in the “Victory Lap” along with about 50 other survivors. He congratulated the organizers and participants.
“It takes a tremendous amount of planning to put on an evening like this,” he said. “Together, you’ve done a tremendous job.
“Cancer research is funded by giving, caring folks like you,” he added. “Cancer research saved my life.”
Botsford had words of encouragement for those fighting cancer and their friends and family members.
“We hope you find some comfort in knowing there’s a community behind you like this,” she said.
Committee member Suzanne Danku noted some of the top fundraisers this year were Linda Larocque ($3,800) and Linda Angus ($3,200).
The official start of the “Relay” was led by the Rainy Lake Highlanders, the Rainy Lake Air Cadets Squadron #902, the Fort Frances Sea Cadets, and the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Ladies Auxiliary.
Many of the teams wore costumes and carried banners. Members of Beta Sigma Phi, for instance, came dressed as pirates.
Staff of the local United Native Friendship Centre, meanwhile, came dressed as ’80s rockers and carried a banner reading “Hair Nation.”
The local Legion ladies auxiliary came dressed as “Rosie the Riveter” and brought a large model airplane, pulled along for the first lap by Hampton.
The “Pink Attitoode in Candyland” team carried large pink candy canes, the “Pink Panthers” team wore long pink tails, while the “Masters of the Point” team came dressed as superheroes, including Batman and Spider Man.
There also was a variety of evening entertainment, including the UMAYC drummers and performances by several local bands, including the Rainy Lake Highlanders, North of the Trax, Mud Lake City Boys, and Night Shift.
The entertainment stopped at 10 p.m. for the luminary ceremony—held to honour those who have passed away from cancer and those who still are fighting the disease.
Activities like cribbage, a pajama lap, a hip hop dance class with Chantal Spuzak, and the “Wacky” Olympics helped keep participants awake during the night.
Anna Cunningham gave a “Rise and Revitalize” session in the morning.
Breakfast was served by Fort Frances Kiwanis Club members shortly after the sun rose at 5 a.m., and prizes were awarded during the closing ceremonies.
(Fort Frances Times)