Bienfait's Weldon School will serve as the host site for the 2014 Mini-Relay for Life.
Held in conjunction with the annual Relay for Life in Estevan, the mini-relay serves as a chance to get local kids involved in the movement and volunteerism while raising much-needed funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Once again students from the Estevan Comprehensive School - Team ECS as they are known - will be front and centre, working with Weldon students to organize the event and help where needed.
ECS students Jacqueline Peeace and Kyle Goulet will serve as the co-chairs of this year's mini-relay, which is scheduled for May 30. The pair of Grade 12 students have been involved with the mini-relay for a number of years and say it has had a positive impact on their lives.
"I've always loved helping out people and when (mini-relay co-ordinator Pat Steinke) asked me back in 2010 if I wanted to be part of the Team ECS while at St. Mary's, I felt like I really fit in," said Kyle. "Cancer is a big issue around the world and it affects everyone and it affects them differently. I like to help out everyone individually, not as a group, not as a school, but each student. You get a joy from seeing these kids help out the community."
Jacqueline said cancer has had a major impact on her life, having lost family members to the disease. She said along with that personal connection, the chance to work with the students at the different schools and help them to become leaders is a big reason why she has continued her involvement with Team ECS.
"Being (involved with) the mini-relay, it's been interesting to see how I've grown in the past few years in my leadership and how I talk to people. It's totally changed my life and it's cool to see these kids who may have been shy and you give them a position of responsibility and they just excel. It's really amazing to see."
As with past mini-relays, there will be events at Weldon School throughout the week culminating with the mini-relay on May 30. Murray GM has signed on as the principal sponsor of the event while Blue Chip Realty will be cooking and serving lunch.
The mini-relay itself is scheduled to begin with the opening ceremonies at 12 o'clock. Other highlights will include the survivor's walk and other events.
The school and students will set a fundraising goal at a later date and Steinke said the students will be going door to door in Bienfait the week of the relay to canvas for donations.
