The Estevan Relay for Life committee is moving on from a tough 2012 season and setting optimistic goals for 2013.
The group held its campaign kickoff at the Estevan Shoppers' Mall on Saturday afternoon.
Committee co-chair Patrick Fisher announced that the goal for this year is $110,000, with at least 20 teams. There are already 16 teams signed up for Relay.
Fisher said the goal for 2013 is higher than last year's total of $61,678 raised, yet realistic and attainable.
"We went considerably lower than we did last year. Last year's goal was $150,000 and we came very short. It was a rough year across the province for Relay for Life," he said.
"This year, I did want to look more optimistic on what we were doing. I thought $61,000 was low for last year. We kind of knew where we faltered a little bit. $110,000 is entirely realistic, I think we're going to have no issues crossing that, and even with 16 teams we're a third of the way there already."
Fisher added that with him only coming on board in March last year, it should be easier this time around with more time for him to plan and get a handle on things.
"I think it'll be a considerably better year," he said. "This year, being here from the start, knowing what to expect, knowing where I think our weaknesses were last year and how we can improve on that, I'm very confident we'll be having a fantastic year."
This year's relay will use both an indoor and an outdoor track.
Margaret Hill, office manager for the southeast unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, spoke about the history of the event in Estevan over the past eight years.
"Relay for Life is a night to celebrate cancer survivors, honour and remember loved ones, and provide a way for each of us to fight back against cancer," Hill said.
"Estevan has always held an event that has been entertaining - always switching it up to make it interesting and inviting for the teams to return. They have an awesome survivors' area and an amazing auction," she added.
Last year, there were 11 teams registered, with 60 survivors, 88 participants and 125 volunteers.
To register a team for Relay for Life, call 634-8945. To join the effort as a volunteer, contact Fisher at 461-9751.
