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Relay for life exceeds expectations and surpasses goal

Jun 10, 2017 | 11:02 AM

Once again the community of the Battlefords showed its generosity and spirit.

That was the sentiment expressed by the 2017 Battlefords Relay for Life Chair Stefanie Harrington following the 12-hour marathon which wrapped up early Saturday morning at the City Field in Centennial Park.

After forced to cancel last year’s fundraiser due to the lack of committee in place, this year’s event came back with a new committee and goal to build a bigger and better Relay for Life. 

“We had some challenges,” Harrington said. “First, returning to a 12-hour Relay for Life rather a six-hour event was very important to the success of this year.”

It was also essential to have the event return outdoors 

“Two years ago, the relay was held inside and it was not a success,” Harrington, who has been part of 10 Relay for Life events said. “It was very cold overnight, don’t get me wrong, having the relay outside has its disadvantages but so does having cancer and having to go through chemotherapy.”

The chill seemed to lift as the final totals were announced.

“Our event goal this year was $15,000 and together this year we raised approximately $36,000,” Harrington announced.

The threat of rain and thunderstorms loomed throughout the event, however, with the exception of cold weather blowing in after midnight, everyone was satisfied with the weather.

The event kicked off at 7 p.m. Friday with the traditional Survivor Lap and balloon release. There were 15 teams registered this year, with 89 participants involved, 116 survivors and nearly 431 luminaries sold, according to Harrington.

 

 

Since 2002, Relay for Life in the Battlefords has raised more than $1.5 million for the Canadian Cancer Society.

“The important thing to remember as well is that while the money does go to cancer research a portion of the funds stay in Saskatchewan and helps programs for those who are fighting their battles,” Harrington told those on hand. 
 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

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