On Monday, April 8 the Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the Canadian Cancer Society, committee members held a registration night and team captain meeting.
Amanda Marcenko and Elly Van Winkoop spoke to the group about their team captain packages and assisted others in registering online for the walk.
Currently the Relay for Life to be held in Wawota consists of 18 teams, over half of their goal has been reached though they continue to work towards finding 30 teams to participate. There is still time to register and everyone is encouraged to do so.
The organizers are still looking for volunteers and survivors for the evening as well. Survivors may call Jerry Laird at (306)739-2157 for more information on what their part in the walk will be, which includes attending a supper put on by the Relay for Life committee.
Another announcement, which the team is excited about is having Owen Garratt participate as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Garratt is originally from Wawota and is a town celebrity as he participated on Canada's Greatest Know-it-all where he placed third.
The captain's packet was sorted through with the individuals in attendance. This included the intention of having a silent auction at the Relay for Life event where each team brings in one item. This will go to the total raised by the Wawota Relay.
Another piece of information given out during the meeting pertains to tax receipts. Every donation made will be issued a tax receipt, previously it was for donations of $20 or more; but, now all donations no matter the size will receive one.
The evening is going to be kid friendly with games being offered and bouncy tents are being inquired about.
Last year Saskatchewan had 2,092 cancer survivors participate in the Survivors' Victory Lap. There were 6,521 participants involved, with 2,380 volunteers making everything possible. In 2012 the Relay for Life raised $2.4 million to aid in research and helping those who are fighting their own battles against cancer.
Wawota and surrounding communities aim to make a difference this year through three types of fundraising efforts. Online pledges are being taken from teams and individuals registered on the Wawota Relay for Life website. Pledges are also being acquired through offline means as well if one does not feel comfortable contributing through online means.
Finally keep an eye out for team fundraising activities, which include an Everyday Style Fundraiser on May 4 with more information available by contacting JJ at (306)739-2598 or Ava at (306)739-2818. There will be a Jail and Bail held in Wawota on Thursday, May 30. If community "criminals" are spotted for not waving, not smiling, or for jay walking, people are encouraged to contact DVL at (306)739-2400, Jenniene Greenbank at (306)577-9732, or Celine Stolz at (306)434-9708. Watch for more team fundraisers as there are others still being planned.
Whether interested in pledging towards a team or in registering a team there is still some time as the event is being held on June 15 between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. at the Wawota Community Forum.
