The Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is heading back to Wellington County in 2018.
“Last year the Canadian Cancer Society merged the Waterloo Region and Wellington County offices and because of that we decided to do one Relay last year and it was for both Wellington and Waterloo,” said Canadian Cancer Society community fundraising specialist Kaitlynn Barrett.
“But this year we’ve decided to bring it back and do a separate Relay for Life in Wellington at Guelph Lake Conservation Area.”
Relay for Life, which began in Canada in 1999, is a team event that specifies one member must be walking on the track or designated path at all times – “to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer,” states the Canadian Cancer Society website.
Officials say the Wellington event will be full of entertainment, trackside activities, themed laps, dinner and snacks.
The society decided to bring the event back to the county to empower the community and to demonstrate the Canadian Cancer Society is present and supportive.
“It’s not just about fundraising dollars and things like that,” Barrett said.
“It’s also about bringing people together and showing their support for loved ones and anyone who’s been affected by cancer.”
This year’s Wellington County Relay for Life will take place on June 8 from 6pm to midnight.
Barrett said the Wellington relay website isn’t up yet but people can visit relayforlife.ca in January to register.
Barrett also said there are leadership committee positions available.
“We don’t believe that our relay event can happen without our … volunteers and we are looking for several different committee members, including ceremonies and entertainment, event day volunteer chairs, food and beverage, luminary and survivor chair,” she said.
Those interested can contact Barrett at 519-249-0074 ext. 3147 or Kaitlynn.Barrett@ontario.cancer.ca.
