Once again, the community rallied together to fight cancer, and fight they did.
This year’s Relay For Life saw 40 teams participate, 349 participants overall, who raised a celebrated $164,269 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“It was exceedingly successful. We met and exceeded all of our goals,” said Relay For Life co-ordinator Jen Dies, noting the regional office’s goal for Salmon Arm was $132,000.
Salmon Arm raised more than both Vernon and Kelowna, with Kelowna raising $61,913 and Vernon raising $150,839.
“I think we are that successful because we are such a small community,” said Dies. “Everybody knows everybody and wants to make a difference and join the fight. In a large community it is hard to have that intimacy and Salmon Arm definitely has it.”
Dies says the “best part” of it all is that money is still coming forward from the Scotiabank sponsorship and Skate for the Cure.
Of the 40 teams, the Mighty Half Pints raised the greatest amount with a proud total of $11,054. Sherrie Favell, a cancer survivor, was the team’s fundraising leader with $6,967, far above the $100 per-person goal.
“They aren’t a giant team but they are big fundraisers every year,” said Dies, adding that they won a houseboat trip through Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations for their efforts, only to donate it back to a local family with a member battling cancer.
“That is the second time they have done that,” said Dies. “I knew they would because they are so passionate.”
Dies says this year’s event had the highest number of participants in four years, demonstrating “that the community is recovering.”
“We all want to give but sometimes we can’t. This year it’s obvious that the community is doing better,” she said.
Each of the evening’s three ceremonies, dubbed Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back – had a number of highlights.
“The Celebrate Ceremony was very significant having Brooklyn (Wright) there this year as the leader of the parade,” said Dies, commenting on the kindergarten-aged cancer survivor who led the Survivors’ Victory Lap.
The Remember portion of the event had a few new elements.
“It was the first year ever that we had bagpipers there and that set a whole new tone to the Luminary Ceremony,” Dies said, adding participants were asked to bring a food item to weigh down the luminaries this year.
“We have a whole pick-up truck to go to the food bank,” said Dies yesterday, noting logistics chairperson Monty Kilborn suggested the idea after attending an event that did the same in the U.S. “Those ideas are what make it so awesome.”
The Fight Back Ceremony was presented by a new member of the Relay For Life committee, Amber Mackie, inspired the community to make healthy changes leading up to next year’s Relay For Life, said Dies.
The comment of the night came when Mackie encouraged the crowd to “Kick some cancer ass.”
Yet again, the event was an overall success thanks to the help and dedication of everyone involved, said Dies.
“A huge thank you to the community, the sponsorships were outstanding – the army of volunteers, the people who sit on our committee – they are the ones who make it all happen.”
Dies says she believes Relay For Life is an event everyone can appreciate.
“Even if you come just to see the entertainment, you will be touched to see the number of people committed, the luminaries, the number of volunteers and there is every emotion in there from A to Z,” she said.
“It’s a community event that’s contagious.”
