Wellington Heights Secondary School students and the Mount Forest community have raised $29,655 for cancer research through last week’s Relay for Life event.
Over 250 participants were part of the day-long event that kicked off at 11am on June 2.
Events such as volleyball, Frisbee, Twister and slip and slide were held throughout the day.
Members of the Mount Forest community joined in the festivities at around 4pm and took part in a survivors lap and luminary ceremony.
The relay was organized by a student committee at WHSS, including co-chairs Grade 12 student Jason Nauta and Grade 11 student Charlie Becker.
“This is always a fun event and it’s being a part of something really big, and I think that’s something enjoyable and memorable,” said Nauta.
Becker said her family has been affected by cancer, which is why she wanted to be a part of the student committee this year.
“I did it two years ago and I had an amazing time. It really made an impact on my life,” she said.
The slogan this year for the relay in Mount Forest is “finish the fight.”
“For cancer patients, they’re accepting the challenge, they’re going to fight cancer, they’re going to beat cancer, and that’s why our slogan was finish the fight,” explained Becker.
Nauta added, “Knowing that you personally, individually, can make a difference by raising money, by raising awareness, so accepting the baton is kind of being willing to do your own part and then encouraging others to do theirs.”
Participants work in teams, with one member always on the track.
The funds are used to support cancer research and vital support services for people with cancer and their families.
Since 1999, Relay for Life events have raised over $500 million in Canada.
