Relay For Life cancelled

Times Reporter  

 

The Canadian Cancer Society has cancelled the June 6 Relay For Life event in Wheatland County, due to a lack of organizing committee volunteers and participants. This is the first time this has happened in Strathmore, though last year’s relay had to be moved to autumn.

Three teams were registered: however, one withdrew.

“We just felt that with only two active teams, we wouldn’t have had a great event experience for people to really enjoy,” Revenue Development Coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division Shayenne Herder said.

Participants or interested potential volunteers are being asked to transfer to the Brooks, Calgary, or Airdrie events – all occurring on June 21.

Last year, Relay For Life raised $46.5 million across the nation, with Wheatland County contributing just over $20,000.

The Canadian Cancer Society is even asking for volunteers for the 2015 event, but needs help right now as well.

“In Strathmore specifically, we’re really looking for some committed volunteers to help out and plan some events in the fall, or next spring; just to be our advocates in the community and really connect us with what the community wants from us,” Herder said. “That way, we can bring out a successful fundraiser.”

Chestermere and Cochrane’s Relay For Life events were also cancelled.

“We just want it to be a time where everyone can gather together and celebrate remembrance,” Herder said. “So celebrating all the survivors of cancer, and all of the people that have battled, and remember everyone that they’ve lost to cancer – and fight back so that people in the future don’t have to go through the same hardships.”