After a failed attempt to get the event off the ground last year, Olds will hold its first-ever Relay for Life this year on May 2.
The event is one of the Canadian Cancer Society's largest fundraisers and involves teams taking part in a 12-hour relay after raising pledges from the community.
Olds High School's leadership students spearheaded the effort to have Olds host the relay this year and the event will take place at the Community Learning Campus soccer field.
Louan Statchuk, a staff member at the school and chair of the relay leadership committee, said organizers are hoping at least 15 teams will sign up for the event and the relay will raise at least $35,000.
Each team member must raise $100 in pledges.
Such expectations, she added, are very achievable since cancer ìaffects everyone.î
ìThere's probably no one in our community that hasn't been touched.î
Statchuk also said the Olds Lions Club has already donated $10,000.
The relay kicks off at 7 p.m. with a Survivors' Lap where participants who have beaten cancer head out for the first circuit.
At 10 p.m., participants will light luminaries, candles in paper bags that have been decorated in tribute to someone who has passed away from cancer.
Throughout the entire relay, there will be entertainment and food, including a barbecue, for participants.
And when the relay wraps up at 7 a.m., the Lions Club will provide breakfast, Statchuk said.
To register a team, volunteer, donate, sign up as a survivor or for more information, visit www.relayforlife.ca and search for the Olds event or call Statchuk at 403-556-3391.
The fee for registering a team is $15.
Luminaries will be for sale for $5 at the event and Statchuk said local businesses are also being asked to sell the lights.
