Join in the fight
Summerside’s annual Relay for Life needs teams, sponsors
SUMMERSIDE — Brenda Ramsay knows all too well the importance of raising funds for life-saving cancer research.
This will be her family’s 12th year participating in Summerside’s annual Relay for Life.
Ramsay’s family participates in memory of her mother, who was diagnosed with leukemia and died 45 years ago on Christmas Day.
“It’s the reason why we participate as a family, but this year we have a 14-year-old niece that has been diagnosed and having cancer treatments in Halifax,” said Ramsay. “But it means so much to see people showing their support at this event, especially the first Survivors’ Victory lap in their yellow shirts.”
However, after years of declining attendance, the Summerside event is now searching for more teams, volunteers and sponsors.
About 15 years ago, Relay for Life gathered anywhere from 40 to 60 teams.
Now the Summerside fundraiser is lucky to have 10 teams participate, according event cochairman Bernie Perry.
“We need to reach out to businesses, individuals with their families, and community groups because we need to build this fundraiser up again,” he said.
“There are so many people looking for funds for different charities, but everyone knows someone with cancer.”
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, as of 2017 nearly one in two Canadians were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Funds raised by the relay go to research, as well as help cover transportation costs, treatments, accommodations and to receive the physical, practical or emotional support.
“The more teams we have, the more money we can raise to help those in need,” said Sandra Corkum, who handles the event’s logistics.
Teams can be as small as two members, with the goal being to raise as much money as possible.
Those attending the event can expect live entertainment, interactive games, a variety of food vendors, door prizes donated by businesses, a petting zoo for the children and a martial arts demonstration.
“Plus, we have tickets to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, which all the teams can sell. All proceeds of the ticket sales go towards their fundraising, so whatever they sell they are credited,” said Ramsay.
The winner of the four V.I.P. Cavendish Beach Music Festival tickets will get free accommodations at Charlottetown’s Delta Prince Edward, free crossing of the Confederation Bridge, limousine transport to and from the concert grounds and a festival entry.
As an incentive, the individual who sells the winning ticket will receive two V.I.P. tickets to the festival, with backstage passes and accommodations provided.
Those fundraising tickets cost $5 for one, $10 for three, and $40 for 12.
Relay for Life will be held on Saturday, June 8, at Queen Elizabeth Park in Summerside from 6 p.m. until midnight.
“People can still make donations online or donate to a team,” noted Perry.
For more information, to register a team or donate to the cause, visit Relay for Life in Summerside 2019 or http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/?pg=entry&fr_id=24934.