Participants braved the rainy weather for the 2012 Relay for Life in White Rock/South Surrey.

Participants braved the rainy weather for the 2012 Relay for Life in White Rock/South Surrey.

Peninsula cancer relay to be replaced with new event

12-hour fundraiser that supports non-profit society will continue in other communities.

A popular fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society will not return to the Semiahmoo Peninsula this spring, according to a local organizer.

Jenn Schroeder, community giving co-ordinator, told Peace Arch News via email the Relay for Life will no longer be taking place in White Rock/South Surrey.

A new event – a five- or 10-km race called the Daffodil Dash – is set to take place April 24 at White Rock beach.

No reason was given for the cancellation of the Relay for Life, and attempts to reach Schroeder for further comment were not successful.

Over the past several years, the event has drawn hundreds of participants to the Peninsula, who team up and trade off running or walking laps in a 12-hour relay; in 2014, the local event raised $80,000.

Prior to last year, the relay took place overnight, and included entertainment, games and activities.

In 2015, the format was changed to a daytime event in an effort to draw more people to take part.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society website, Relay for Life events are still set to take place in Surrey, Delta and Langley in June; Southridge School is also planning to hold a relay event in April.

Peace Arch News