Organizers for Innisfail’s Relay for Life are taking steps to prepare for the 12-hour walkathon next spring.
This year’s relay will start June 8, and co-chair Candice Thomas said they’ve set their goals higher this year, for what will be the third year of hosting the event.
Last year, $72,000 was raised in Innisfail for the Canadian Cancer Society, up from $68,000 in their first year. This year, they’re hoping for $74,950. They’re also hoping to increase teams from 17 to 18 and bring in 15 more participants for a total of 180.
“One thing I want people to understand is this is for all cancers,” she said, explaining it doesn’t raise money for research on a specific type. “And it’s all donor driven, and volunteer led.”
The money goes towards research, prevention, support and advocacy.
Relay for Life is now accepting groups and registrations for 2012. Teams can be made up of between eight to 15 people spending the night walking in a non-competitive environment from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The team allows people to take breaks while others walk.
The walk, while raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society, is also meant as a way to celebrate those who have survived, remember those who have lost their battle and fight back by raising funds, explained Thomas. Having it overnight is meant as a reminder that cancer never sleeps.
Thomas said they are also looking for committee members, corporate sponsorship and team registration.
For more information visit www.relayforlife.ca, phone Thomas at 403-227-3269 or Amanda McCord at 403-227-7667.
