With John Rafferty heading up this year’s local “Relay for Life,” a significant fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, plans are well underway for the annual event.
They’ve applied to the Town of Fort Frances to hold the event June 27-28 from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. at Pither’s Point Park.
“We need approval from the town, so it still has to be confirmed,” Rafferty explained, noting a council committee will look at the request before the end of the month.
“I think it’s going to be very exciting because there are a number of other events going on either there or in town at the same time, and I think we can do a lot of sharing of resources,” he stressed.
“And we can give everyone a lot more fun for their buck,” he added.
One event taking place that weekend is a visit of the David Thompson Brigades—160 voyageurs who are travelling 3,600 km over 63 days.
They are scheduled to show up at Pither’s Point that weekend.
“They have some entertainment, so we’re working on sharing entertainment and, perhaps, supper,” Rafferty explained, adding Fun in the Sun also will be underway at that time, as well.
“So it will be a busy weekend,” Rafferty stressed while encouraging local residents to stay in Fort Frances.
“Because it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he enthused.
Rafferty is not only looking for volunteers to sit on the “Relay for Life” committee—he’s also beginning to seek out teams of 10 to participate in the event.
Last year’s “Relay” saw the 22 participating teams bring in nearly $50,000.
“We’re hoping to have 25 plus teams this year,” Rafferty noted. “We’re looking for a modest increase and hopefully a large increase.”
He indicated he’s had some new volunteers offer up their time to help out this year, but said more assistance is always needed.
“New blood means new ideas and some fun events,” he remarked.
Anyone interested in being a part of the “Relay for Life” committee is invited to attend their next meeting, which is scheduled for tomorrow (April 17) at 7 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous.
“Also, if people are interested in putting a team in and have some questions, they are welcome, too,” he added.
Those who would like to register a team also can receive a form by contacting Rafferty at 274-6700.
“I can explain to team captains how the process works,” he said. “We’d like each team member to raise $100. So it means a team would bring in $1,000 plus.”
And if people would like to know where the money raised from the “Relay” goes, Rafferty provided some examples.
“Money that directly comes from ‘Relay for Life’ in Northwestern Ontario, last year more than $300,000 was used for airfares, and, of course, some was used for our regular programs,” he explained.
“And right now at the Cancer Clinic in Thunder Bay, we’re sponsoring 22 clinical trials.
“So there’s a real direct benefit to local people in Northern Ontario,” he stressed.
Rafferty added “Relay for Life” is a fun night and invites everyone to participate in the worthy cause.
The regional Northwestern Ontario sponsor for the event is Bearskin Airlines.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
