For the first time ever the town of Wawota will be hosting Relay for Life. The event is planned for June 15; but, an informational evening will be held on March 4 for the town of Wawota and surrounding communities to learn more. Everyone in the area is encouraged to take part and attend this kickoff event as a way to become informed.
Join the organizers for coffee and cookies at 7 p.m. in the Wawota School Library. They will discuss Relay for Life Teams, Luminaries, Survivor Participation, how to become a volunteer, and how to become a sponsor.
They are currently seeking a number of volunteers for different positions because it is a large event in need of many helping hands.
The history of the Relay for Life begins in the 1980s with Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Washington looking to raise funds for the local American Cancer Society. Attempting to think of a way he could help while showing support to his patients he decided to host an event in May of 1985.
Dr. Klatt ran for 24 hours at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma where he completed more than 80 miles. During the course of the 24 hours people were encouraged to donate money and join him for a half an hour on the track. He was able to raise $27,000 and developed an idea of creating a team relay as a way to encourage more people to participate. The next year saw 19 teams take part in the first ever Relay for Life, which raised $33,000.
Since the mid-1980s the event spread from Tacoma and the first Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life was held in 1999. It was held in Ottawa and saw much support with people able to raise $85,000. The event has since become an annual occurrence across Canada. Last year Canadians were able to raise $49 million through 470 Relay for Life events, which brought together over 200,000 people.
Today the Relay for Life looks for teams of 12 to 15 people to join together. They are then expected to have at least one team member walking the track at any given time during the 12 hour relay. It is a night that not only celebrates cancer survivors, but is one of remembrance as well honouring friends and family members who lost the fight.
The opening lap is called the Victory Lap and survivors take to the track in their yellow Relay for Life t-shirts. They walk that first lap to inspire and show hope for others.
The Canadian Cancer Society uses the funds raised to focus on funding research, informing Canadians about cancer, supporting those with cancer, advocating for healthy living, preventing cancer through healthy practices, and inspiring Canadians to both volunteer and donate to the cause.
The Relay for Life website explains that with the growing and aging population cancer is expected to increase by 60% in the next 20 years and it is estimated one in four Canadians will die from it. Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in Canada according to the website as well. It is something that can affect everyone in the world, whether young or old. Through research less severe treatments were discovered that can be used to help people survive, cancer can now be detected earlier, and many ways to prevent cancer have been discovered.
So, to make a difference in the lives of friends, family, fellow Canadians, and people around the world consider attending the informational meeting on March 4 in Wawota.
