Prince George is gearing up to take part in the 27th annual Relay for life.
Thousands will come together this weekend for 24 hours of fighting back against cancer.
“We’ve got bands on stage all day and throughout the evening. We’ve got tons of food vendors on site and just a really great festival atmosphere very engaging of the residence of Prince George,” says Coordinator Aimee Cassie about what will be taking place at this year’s event.
Relay for life kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning (June 8) at Exhibition Park, and concludes 24-hours later on Sunday (June 9) at 10 a.m.
Cassie says City Coun. and DJ Kyle Sampson will take the stage just before the fireworks display, to DJ until 7:30 a.m., which he has been doing for the last couple of years.
The 27th annual Relay will also conclude with a draw to give away two cars from Northland Auto Group, for those who’ve raised over $500.
Cassie says one of the cornerstones of Relay is the survivor’s victory lap, which takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, and that is open to all cancer survivors whether or not they’ve registered for the event.
“Everyone who is a cancer survivor is welcome to come down with their friends and family, get the yellow survivor t-shirt and walk that first lap because that is why we are there,” says Cassie. “We are there to increase the number of survivors.”
She says another cornerstone of Relay is the luminary ceremony which takes place at 10 p.m. Saturday night and is a time to remember those who’ve lost their battle with cancer.
“That is the time to reflect and remember those we’ve lost and encourage those that are currently fighting or are 35-year cancer survivors,” says Cassie. “It’s really a beautiful experience.”
So far, 95 teams have registered for the Prince George 2019 Relay for Life, and nearly 20 individuals who have committed to walking the entire 24-hours.
For those who still want to get involved, it’s not too late to jump on the bandwagon.
“We still have registration open so if you’re thinking yeah I’d like to put in a team and I’d like to get involved in this it’s not too late to put a team in or join a team,” says Cassie, adding that even if you don’t register there’s still plenty of ways to help out.
“Everyone is welcome to come to Relay. If you are not on a team come on down and support those other teams. Come and have a burger at the Save-On-Foods barbeque at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday,” she says. “All of the money that is raised at Relay For Life stays with the Canadian Cancer Society so a great way to make a donation is so come down and have dinner there and that money stays with Relay.”
According to the Relay for Life Prince George website, the event has already raised over $171,445, which is 43 per cent of the $400,000 goal.
“We get so much community support, our volunteers have been working tirelessly all year long,” says Cassie. “The community support we get and the sponsors we have…we are just really thankful and we hope everyone comes out and enjoys Relay this year.”
To register, join a team or donate to the cause check out the Relay For Life Prince George website.
