The Canadian Cancer Society
Relay for Life is takes to a new track Saturday, June 8.
With 31 teams and 261 participants, the nautical-themed relay will be, “Drowning out cancer one wave at a time.”
The Credit Union Crewzers, a long-standing team, are participating for their ninth time.
Chris Verburg got the team going in 2004 and says they’ve had outstanding group every year.
This year they have their biggest team yet with 17 members. And, including money raised so far this year, the Crewzers have raised $87,250 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“It’s another way we can support our community. We’ve had people on staff who have had cancer and we support them and they support us,” Verburg said. “Cancer is such a big thing it’s something that a lot of people have experienced or had it in their lives so (Relay for Life) is a good thing that people want to help out with.”
In the spirit of fundraising, the Crewzers have shaved staff member’s heads, organized garage sales, held basket raffles, 50/50 draws and hosted their member barbecue.
This year the barbecue drew a crowd on May 30. The team also plans to hold a barbecue to celebrate the opening of the credit union’s uptown location, with proceeds going towards their fundraising for next year.
On Saturday, June 8 Relay for Life start-up entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. with Megan Able. From 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be a survivor victory lap and teams will start their first lap. From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ryan Guilbeault will entertain.
At 9:30, the most solemn event of the night, the Luminary Ceremony, will give participants an opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives to cancer and to those who are still fighting a battle with the disease.
The mood will lighten again with a performance by the Lead Painted Toys at 10 and The Elk Tribe will keep participants awake and on the track from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Ian Hill will be the last entertainer from 1 a.m to 2 a.m.
Save On Foods will be running the concession and barbecue.
Because of a shortage os parking spaces, buses will pickup survivors and caregivers at the curling rink at 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Relay teams and individuals can register at www.relaybc.ca.
