To the Editor:
The Creston Valley has hosted the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life for 10 years. The event has consistently provided the community with an opportunity to come together and support those battling cancer, as well as to show support to people who have lost loved ones to the disease. It is a day of solidarity against cancer.
It is an event that happens because many volunteers come together with a united goal. These volunteers do not require any special skills or talents — they simply care enough to make it happen.
This year marks the renewal of Relay for Life. Many who have volunteered countless hours over the past 10 years would like to “pass the torch” and new volunteers are needed.
Cancer’s greatest ally is apathy — if we stop caring, cancer wins. I know that:
• the residents of Creston Valley have not stopped caring;
• those who have participated have experienced the “community hug” that happens at a Relay for Life event;
• the funds raised change lives for the better by providing programs including the Cancer Information Service, the Cancer Connection Peer Support program, the financial support program, welcoming lodges to stay in while undergoing treatment away from home, and Camp Goodtimes for kids and teens;
• the funds raised save lives by educating citizens in cancer prevention strategies, advocating to government for healthy public policies, and by funding cutting edge research; and
• many people, each doing a small task, can make a really big difference.
Please help us continue the tradition of caring in Creston Valley, by volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Please contact me at 250-489-8695 or bprice@bc.cancer.ca and find out about the variety of ways the relay can use your help (whether you can spare one hour or 50).
Betty-Ann Price
Creston Valley Relay for Life
community giving co-ordinator
