Participants and volunteers are being sought to take part in the “Relay for Life” at Pither’s Point in June.
With the support of the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, a group of about a dozen Fort Frances residents have struck a committee and hired a co-ordinator to organize the event here.
“It’s going to be a terrific night out,” noted committee chair Russ Ling. “We’re hoping for about 20 teams so about 200 participants.”
The event, being held for the first time here, is part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s national “Relay for Life.”
“It’s walking, jogging, and running. Last year I do believe they had nine places doing it,” noted co-ordinator Sue Danku.
Participants, in teams of 10 to 12, will take turns circling the track around VanJura Stadium over a 12-hour period (probably from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
The teams can walk, run, or stroll around the track, which also will be surrounded by entertainment for all those involved.
Besides participants, organizers are hoping to find numerous volunteers to make the fundraiser as successful–and as fun–as possible.
“We’re looking for volunteers to help us out sort of behind the scenes during the event and after the event,” said Ling.
This year about 25 communities will host a relay in Ontario.
Organizers here also hope they can repeat what has been done at other “Relays for Life” and light the track with hundreds of candles in honour of cancer survivors or in memory of those who have succumbed to the disease.
The relay will feature a survivors’ victory lap–the first lap of the relay where cancer survivors are invited to walk and celebrate their courage.
Letters already have been sent out to potential team captains, who then will recruit participants. But committee members are encouraging anyone interested in volunteering or participating to contact them.
Last year’s “Relay for Life” raised more than $1.1 million.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
