Successful year for Relay For Life
The Canadian Cancer Society’s signature fund raiser, Relay For Life, wrapped-up recently in Summerside with close to 500 people taking part in the sixhour event at Red Shores Raceway.
Over the past month, six Relay events took place across Prince Edward Island raising over $220,000 and counting. Islanders have shown tremendous support of the Canadian Cancer Society by participating in Relay For Life, volunteering at events, helping to fundraise or donating to team members.
“Relay For Life can be quite emotional at times, especially when you see cancer survivors walk the victory lap. You know they have been through a lot, says relay participant Elizabeth MacDonald. “It’s great to be a part of an event that brings people together for a cause that helps so many Islanders.”
The Canadian Cancer Society uses funds raised to help researchers discover life-saving treatments, provide support programs to people who are facing cancer, and advocating for changes in public policy to reduce the risks of cancer.
“We’ve come a long way,” says Jane Farquharson, executive director of the P.E.I. Division. “Today, over 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive compared to about 25 per cent in the early 1940s when we started funding research. That’s a significant improvement, but cancer is still the leading cause of death in Canada so there’s much more to be done.”
Eleven high-profile Islanders have taken up that challenge as members of the Relay for Life Dream Team.
These individuals will continue to hold events to help them achieve their fund raising goal of $5,000 each.
Cornwall Mayor Minerva McCourt, a Dream Team member, orchestrated a community fun day on June 27 with activities and games to get residents outside enjoying themselves while raising money for the fight against cancer.
Other Dream Team members will host a variety of private and public events over the coming months.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Because of our donors, volunteers and sponsors like our Relay For Life provincial sponsor Credit Unions, the Society has the most impact against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. For more information visit cancer.ca or call Cancer Information Services toll-free at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).