Relay for Life looking for more teams

In the spirit of fun, cooperation and participation, the North Bay Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society has bolted from the start line into another Relay for Life season of fund raising.
Funds raised through Relay For Life support the Canadian Cancer Society's mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of Canadian living with cancer.

Encouraging people to take part in any capacity, whether it be through donations or even taking an active role on a relay team is what it's all about, especially if you can raise some awareness about the brave people afflicted with this disease and the skilled professionals that care for them.

Every year for the past 13 years, Canadians from far and wide have come out to remember love ones who have been lost to this disease or celebrate the lives of those battling it and most of all, fight back with hope of finding cures and treatments.

Andrew Layne, Manager at the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, says that one of the key factors for success in past relays has been the high level of local team participation.

“It could be a group at a business who's been touched by cancer, it could be a family that's come together and decide to recognize, honor or remember somebody lost to cancer,” says Layne.

Any individual that would like to participate in the relay but doesn't have a group can call the North Bay & District Unit at 705-472-9072 and they will assist in placing them on a house team.

Last year’s even saw 84 teams participating in the event, which was down from 90 teams in the previous year.

“We'd like to get it back to over 90 teams, around 95 again, if we could,” Layne says.

Like too many things, this event is having a downturn with the current economic climate so Layne is encouraging an extra bit more to keep its good work and community spirit going.

“We know that cancer touches so many people so we feel that this cause is important,” he says.

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Canada.

It is said that nearly 1 of every 2 men is expected to develop cancer during his lifetime and slightly more than 1 of every 3 women will develop cancer during her lifetime. Approximately 1 out of every 4 Canadians will die from cancer.

Mayor Al McDonald has been made familiar with these statistics by losing a grandmother and two friends to the disease.

Well known for his running, McDonald will be participating with his team for the full 12 hours of the relay event.

“This is an opportunity to raise some money to find a cure so that other family members, friends or individuals don't have to go through the process,” he says.
“I believe that there is a finishing line, we're getting closer every year, we just have to keep at it and show our unwavering support.”

This year's Relay for Life will take place on June 22nd at the Canadian Forces Base.

Teams can register by calling 705-472-9072 ext. 3731 or drop by in person to the Canadian Cancer Society, North Bay & District Unit, located at 147 McIntyre Street West.

Teams can also go online to register at www.relayforlife.ca