An open house held on March 28 yielded five new volunteers for organizing Innisfail's third annual Relay for Life event but they're still looking for more.
“It was great,” said Nancy Kumm, the Relay for Life coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society.
She said about 10 people came out for the open house, which was held at the Innisfail Best Western. Mostly it was people who'd participated before in the relay or already have teams signed up for this year's event in June.
The five new volunteers will join with another two to help make up the organizing committee, though Kumm said more volunteers are still needed. She explained Relay for Life is a community-driven event and needs community members to make it happen.
In addition to volunteers they're seeking more teams. Seven teams have signed up already but they're hoping for more.
“Our goal is 18 teams,” Kumm said. Teams raise money for the event which is a 12-hour overnight walkathon. Teams must keep at least one member walking on the track at all times during the event.
Kumm explained the relay takes place overnight because “cancer never sleeps.”
“We're also looking for (cancer) survivors,” Kumm said, noting survivors of the disease, caregivers and loved ones are an important part of the event.
“It's for people dealing with cancer,” she said.
This year's event is scheduled for June 8. Last year, 17 teams participated and raised $68,000 for cancer research.
To get more information, volunteer or sign up a team, check out www.relayforlife.ca or call Nancy Kumm at 403-309-5432.
