“Last year surpassed the year before, and we want this year to surpass last year.”
That’s local Relay for Life organizer Alaina Fryer’s attitude as the nation-wide fundraiser for cancer research approaches.
It’s Fryer’s third year co-ordinating the event, which sees people in communities from coast to coast participate in a fun and non-competitive 12-hour relay to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society.
Last year, the relay in 100 Mile House saw live music and a variety of games, and 107 participants run and walk through Centennial Park.
A total of 15 teams entered and nearly $22,000 was raised, Fryer explains.
“Two years ago was a real struggle to get this town back on board with the relay. Last year, we [turned it around] and we’re hoping to do it again this year and bring everybody back out, and make it the big event it used to be.”
Fryer says they’re looking for volunteers and people can visit the Canadian Cancer Society website and search the 2014 100 Mile House Relay for Life page to learn more or register a team.
A number of teams have already registered, but organizers would like to see more in advance to get an idea of how many will be down at the park. However, people can still register the morning of the relay, Fryer adds.
The relay runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 7.
“It doesn’t matter what they’re doing, we just want them out there and showing support for their team. We want more community involvement to show their support for a cause everybody deals with one way or another.”
Fryer says she wants to make cancer “a thing of the past.”
“I’m putting my voice to this organization and hoping, down the road, we will cure it. It touches everybody.”
In 2013, 161,746 Canadians participated in 487 Relay For Life events across the country, raising $46.5 million.
To learn more about Relay for Life or to volunteer, Fryer can be reached at 250-706-8082.
