Welcome to Relay City! Yes, Prince George is relay city, number one fundraisers for the past 2 years, and I would be greatly surprised if it wasn’t three in a row with the total amount raised this year! Of course all funds raised going to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The event was held May 7th through 8th this year, not to mention that it is the ONLY 24 hour relay in the country!
The ceremonies started at 10 AM with speeches from survivors, and event coordinators, and then the emcee Doug Jones started everyone off on the Victory lap with the survivors and all of their families, which included a flyover of Masich Place stadium commemorating the event! After that lap, the green flag, signalling the beginning of the 24 hours for the rest of the participants.
There were vendors surrounding the track, including all the teams participating in raising funds, as well as food vendors, drink vendors, snacks, and even game stations. At our tent, the Pattison Fun Raisers, we had draw boxes and an endless supply of juice boxes and fruit snacks, thanks to Sun Rype! Some lucky winners will be leaving the Relay event and then winning a Cariboo beer fridge, Colin James Tickets, Theresa Caputo tickets, and even a pair of tickets to see Hedley!
The Northland Auto Group was generous enough to donate a car to a lucky winner. Names were entered into the draw that raised $500 towards the event. A lovely couple from Team Loobies who travels up to Prince George from the Kamloops area every year for the event won the car. One of their family members is currently recovering from a form of cancer, and it was a very heartwarming moment to watch the family celebrate together.
The root of this event is what is important. The people involved and their stories and why everyone comes together for this great cause for the 24th year! There were dozens of people who pledged and walked for 24 hours straight for the entire relay, including CKPG Sports anchor Rich Abney who walked 200 laps, equalling 80 km! Almost everyone has been affected by cancer, whether it is a loved one, a friend, a family member or even them self.
Everyone has a story when it comes to cancer, and no matter what it is, each story has its own form of heart break or triumph. It is events like the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life that bring everyone together to remember, rejoice, and celebrate those who have overcome or the lives that have been lost due to this disease.
THANK YOU PRINCE GEORGE, FOR RAISING $505,000 IN SUPPORT OF THE CaNADIAN CANCER SOCIETY!