Canada’s largest cancer fundraiser is coming to Virden`s Tundra Oil and Gas Place on October 23, 2015. A small number of local volunteers have already stepped up and are looking to make this the best Relay For Life that Virden has ever had.
“The Canadian Cancer Society is thrilled to be coming to Virden,” Society spokesperson Lindsay Cowling said. “In 2005 this community raised almost $50,000 to help the fight against all forms of cancer.
“We know that Virden has the spirit and the community pride to put on a first class life-changing event that will have a huge impact in the fight against cancer in Manitoba.”
The event will take place indoors and run from 6:00 p.m. until Midnight. Team kits are available for pickup at Virden School and Office Supplies and people can register as individuals, teams, survivors, or volunteers by going to www. relayforlife.ca.
Each year, more than 500 communities nationwide come together to fight back by supporting Relay For Life. Last year, Relay events raised more than $40 million to fund the very best research and provide vital support programs and services for cancer patients and their families.
Relay For Life is a noncompetitive event that involves individuals and teams who take turns walking or running around a track. The event opens with a Survivors’ Victory Lap, where cancer survivors kick-off the event by walking an inspirational first lap. Luminaries are lit during a moving ceremony. Their light pays tribute to loved ones and provides motivation and encouragement to participants.
“The cancer fight is a challenge for 6,400 Manitoba families every year,” Cowling said. “When people Relay, each step we take is our way of showing them that they’re not alone.”
Leadership Needed
Cowling said the community is still looking for dedicated individuals looking to be part of a team to lead this event. “By each of us doing a little, we can have a huge impact,” she said. “We’re looking for local leaders to help in a number of areas from logistics and volunteer coordinators, to a survivor chair, an event chair, teams chair and finance chair.
“We’re looking for committed people who want to be part of a team that makes a difference.”
For more information or to discuss committee opportunities, contact Lindsay Cowling at 204-571-2802 or by emailing: lcowling@ mb.cancer.ca
Virden will be one of 13 Manitoba communities hosting Relay For Life events. These events are key to ensuring the Cancer Society can continue cutting edge research and vital programs and services that support Manitoba cancer patients and their families. The Society’s transportation service, for example, provided 244 rides to Virden cancer patients last year so they could get to treatment and back.
By working with Relay participants during the last election, the Society was also able to convince the government to cover the cost of cancer treatment and support drugs when taken at home. This year,12,000 Manitoba families will save approximately $17 million in drug costs because of this measure.
This includes seven families in the Virden area who will save about $224,000 this year.
“We can only do this because communities like Virden Relay,” Cowling said. “So, on October 23rd, who will you Relay for? We encourage everyone to accept the Baton and get involved.”
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives, and support people living with cancer.
Go to fightback.ca to find out how you can help. To know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333. For more information, please contact: Lindsay Cowling, Canadian Cancer Society at [email protected] or 204-571-2802.
