By Blake McGuire (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: June 20, 2012
Rotary Stadium was crowded Saturday night as the Canadian Cancer Society hosted the 2012 Relay for Life, a 12-hour marathon for cancer initiatives.
Every year, teams of 10-15 walk or run for 12 hours in local communities all over the world. Each participant is required to raise at least $100. Though the prime objective is to raise money and fight cancer, the first lap is reserved for survivors as a way of celebrating their success, and after dark, luminaria (small bags with candles inside) are lit around the track to honour the dead.
The event started in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked around a track for 24 hours, raising $27,000. The next year it became a team event, and eventually grew to the relay we see today.
Money raised will go towards research and prevention initiatives, as well as support programs for people fighting cancer.
More information is available on the Relay for Life website.
