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Prince Rupert Relay for Life set for this Saturday

Since the Relay for Life’s Canadian debut in 1999, it has become the biggest fundraising event for cancer care and research in the country.

Since the Relay for Life’s Canadian debut in 1999, it has become the biggest fundraising event for cancer care and research in the country.

The Relay for Life is held each year to celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour those who lost their lives to the disease, and to help fight for a cancer free future and on Saturday, May 28, locals will gather at the Charles Hays Secondary School track in Prince Rupert from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. in to do their part in eliminating the disease and aiding in cancer research.

“Come out! It’s a great and very moving event to take part in,” said this year’s main organizer Lani McNeice, who replaced long-time organizer Cathy Quane.

McNeice was an ideal replacement, being that she was a top fundraiser last year and is very motivated for the cause.

At last year’s Relay for Life event, the 26 teams who participated raised $80,263.05 for cancer research. This year there are currently 15 teams registered made up of 120 people, who so far have raised over $25,000. Organizers are hoping more teams register, and more money is raised.

Teams taking part in the Relay for Life are asked to fundraise a minimum of $100 before the event, where they will take turns walking or running laps around the CHSS track. This year there will not be any wheeled devices allowed on the track, which includes no rollerblades or skateboards.

In the evening the traditional lighting of luminaries, candles placed in special fireproof bags, will take place, an act that is significant to the relay. Luminaries are lit at sunset to become a source of light and inspiration. People purchasing luminaries can submit the name of somebody special they lost to cancer to help motivate everyone to keep fighting to end the disease.

Luminaries can be pre-purchased on the website, or can be purchased at the relay for $5, which will also go towards cancer research, information and support.

“People walking around the track can see these luminaries lit, and see names and messages [to cancer victims]. It’s a very emotional experience. Everybody is there for the right reason,” said McNeice.

As well, organizers are hoping to get entertainment, such as bands, to perform at the relay this year. Entertainers would be able to perform for an hour or hour and a half slot.  People interested in performing at the relay can contact Deb Taylor at debt@sd52.bc.ca.

People wishing to register for the relay can do so by visiting http://www.kinerta.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=439305 where there is a registration form. Additionally, people wishing to partake can call Lani McNeice at 250-624-0516 in the daytime or 250-624-5573 in the evening, or can participate just simply coming to the track on the day of the relay.

There is a $15 registration fee per participant.