OLDS — About 80 people turned out for the first Relay For Life cancer fundraiser in years to be held at École Olds High School.
Organizers believe the last one was held in about 2014.
This year’s event was held in the soccer field on the east side of the school. Organizers had earlier planned to hold it in a field just south of the school, but there was no power there; hence the move.
The event began at around 8 p.m. with speeches, including a very emotional one by student leadership advisor and cancer survivor Louan Statchuk.
Statchuk and fellow cancer survivors Lisa Ormann and Trudi Saby then took a couple of walks around the perimeter of the field, followed at a distance by other relay participants.
A stage was set up, featuring some live entertainment.
When it got dark enough, a luminary ceremony was held.
That ceremony involves writing the names of people affected by cancer on bags that contain tea lights. Those tea lights are then lit, creating a beautiful, glowing tribute.
Organizers hope they’ll be able to hold the Relay For Life next year and build it into an annual tradition at the school.
