The Cranbrook-Kimberley Relay For Life will be celebrating its final year June 4 as it evolves into a new and fresh community event in the year ahead.

‘The Force Will Be Strong’ as Relay participants, survivors, friends, family and the community gather for a Star Wars-themed Relay not soon to be forgotten.

Over the last few years, the number of people participating in the Cranbrook-Kimberley Relay has been decreasing and feedback from volunteers, supporters and Relayers indicated it was time for a change.

“We’re extremely proud of the success of Relay and the generosity of this community over the years but we’ve learned that it’s time for something new,” explained Jenn Smith, Annual Giving Coordinator, Canadian Cancer Society. “We are really excited to celebrate one more year of Relay in Cranbrook, to go out with a bang and then come back next year with an innovative and fun event that will re-engage the community in a meaningful way.”

The Canadian Cancer Society invites everyone in the community to come out and support this six-hour family-friendly event that raises fund for life-saving cancer research, prevention initiatives and support programs for those on a cancer journey.

“Relay For Life has done so much to support the mission of the Canadian Cancer Society and help people in our community. It has brought the community together in many ways and we are grateful to our volunteers, supporters and donors – both past and present,” explained Smith. “But, they say all good things must come to an end and we want the entire community to come down to the park to help us celebrate and launch into this new, exciting era.”

People interested in participating in this year’s Relay can still register at  www.relayforlife.ca. The society’s staff and volunteer organizations have many tips, tools and resources to help teams do last minute fundraising to increase their impact in this final Relay. If someone doesn’t want to register as a team, they are still invited to come to Rotary Park, help celebrate and witness the Relay magic one final time.

Smith says there is a fantastic event planned for June 4 and activities are continuing to be added to the day’s schedule. Some highlights of the event include:

• Bring the family for dinner and treat yourself to a Mr. Mikes burger by donation or Canadian 2-For-1 Pizza by the Slice;
• Enjoy the Dance Showcase featuring Highland Dancers, Stages School of Dance and Dance With Me Cranbrook;
• Tug-of-War;
• A donation of $25 will get you a chance to win a Fitbit Charger HR;
• Enter for a chance to win a handmade quilt;
• Take part in the Bedroom Bed Challenge (chance to win a king-sized bed);
• Check out the fabulous Silent Auction items;
• Star Wars light saber battle re-enactments;
• Enjoy the talents of the Mount Baker Vocal Jazz band;
• Support the Canfor Team 50/50 draw;
• Support the Survivors and Caregivers of the community;
• Cheer on Jonah as he gets his head shaved (having already raised $1,045).

As always, the touching Luminary Ceremony, which gives people the chance to honour loved ones who have fought or are fighting cancer and remember those who have lost their battles, will unite everyone and take place at the end of the day. Smith is asking the community for its support in filling the park with luminaries this year, lining the sidewalks and ensuring everyone comes together to support the lives touched and lost by this disease. Luminaries will be on sale all day in the Survivor’s tent, canned/non-perishable donations to the food bank will be accepted to weigh down the luminaries and the sweet sounds of Vocal Jazz will be in the air as the community lights up the park.

Relay For Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12 to 24 hour fundraising event that brings a community together to celebrate life and fight cancer. By joining Relay, participants become a part of the largest cancer fundraiser in the world and help the society to continue to lead the way to a healthier future.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

Canadian Cancer Society

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