For the first time, Innisfail will have its own Relay for Life event to raise money for cancer research and programs to support cancer patients.
The annual event takes place in communities all over the country. Cancer survivors, their friends, families and communities, as well as those who have lost loved ones to the disease, gather to walk all night in relay teams to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society and show support for those who have suffered from cancer.
Innisfail resident Trish King volunteered with the Relay for Life Red Deer for many years. She jumped at the chance to help start a similar event in her own community and now chairs the committee.
Innisfail organizers hope to attract 20 teams and raise more than $70,000 this year for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Relay for Life in Innisfail is set for the evening of May 28 into May 29 at the Innisfail Arena. It’s taking place two weeks before the Red Deer event so people will be able to take part as participants or as volunteers at both events.
The cause is close to King’s heart because she lost her mother Ro to cancer three years ago and her grandfather in 2002. She has been on teams for four years at the Red Deer event and on the Red Deer committee for two years.
There are plans for a banquet for survivors, with the event starting with a survivors’ lap. Luminaries will be sold on the website, through the Innisfail Scotiabank and at the Innisfail trade fair on April 16 and 17 to honour those who have been lost to cancer and those who are still fighting.
Anyone wishing to take part in Relay for Life Innisfail as a participant or volunteer can email relay_coach@hotmail.com, go to the website www.cancer.ca/relay to sign up, donate or get more information or phone Lynn MacLean to register a team at 403-597-6780 or for general information call King at 403-357-9191 in the evening.