The kick-off evening for the annual Relay for Life event happens March 3 at the Overlander Convention Centre.The kick-off starting at 7 p.m. will be an opportunity for people to meet the leadership team, register teams for the relay, and find out about the exciting new changes in the event this year, says chair Leeyann Allan. In past years the relay has been a 12-hour event scheduled from 7 p.m. one day to 7 a.m. the following morning. The 2011 Relay For Life will happen on May 28 starting at 1 p.m. and finish up the following morning, May 29 at 7 a.m.In extending the relay to an 18-hour event, the majority of formal activities will happen during the day and evening, followed by a silent overnight vigil starting at midnight. “The candles will burn throughout the night and participants can do what they are comfortable doing,” Allan says.Allan is hoping that by extending the hours there will be more participation by children and families.Last year the Relay for Life in Williams Lake raised $47,214.53 with 19 teams, Allan says. This year she says the goal is to raise $50,000 with 25 teams.The leadership team includes Wenona Gordon (teams co-ordinator); Susan Graves and Lorraine Smith (luminaries); Yvonne Hauk and Devon Lyons (finance); Stephanie Brandt and Roxanne Bambrick (volunteer pool). Allan says the theme of this year’s relay is “preventing cancer through living well, being aware and getting involved.” Register on line at www.cancer.ca and follow the links or go directly to www.relaybc.ca People who would like to volunteer with the event can contact Leeyann Allan at 250-392-6824 or by e-mail at williamslakerelay@bc.cancer.ca or at the Canadian Cancer Society office at 250-392-3448.
