A tremendous $120,537.10 was fundraised in time for the 19th Annual Prince Rupert Relay for Life by all teams — a whole $10,500 more than the goal set by the Canadian Cancer Society for the community this year.
“We had beautiful weather and incredible support from our community,” said Sheila Seidemann, one of the main organizers of the event for the past few years.
There were tears on the track, but also victorious laps taken by cancer survivors and supporters during the relay this past Saturday at Prince Rupert Middle School Track.
With survivor Sandy Jones providing an inspiring welcome to participants to the country-wide cancer research fundraising event, and focusing on the community’s profound loss of the energetic and inspiring Sheryl Sadorski-Gordon, the survivor’s walk began at 10 a.m., led by an RCMP Honour Guard.
A total of 25 teams took part in the event this year, which featured live music all through the day, children’s activities such as a bouncy castly face painting, balloon popping, bubble machines and more. Food vendors were available for those looking to whet their appetite, and a Prince Rupert Fire Rescue car wash helped Rupertites clean their cars at the civic centre parking lot.
Last minute funds were gathered on Friday at the Jail ‘N Bail event outside CIBC and the army of volunteers made the whole day a success.
The highest pledges this year came from Sadorski-Gordon herself, at $3,215, Gail Watkinson, who raised $1,796 and Erin Seidemann, who fundraised $1,702.
The teams with the highest amounts raised for cancer research included the White and Teal Women of Steel ($41,632), the CityWest Tumornators ($8,512) and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ($5,399).
Trina MacDonald completed the most laps around the track, with 120.
The event drew hundreds of Rupertities in total to support eradicating the disease once and for all.
