Relay for Life: Changing Lives through Fundraising

Committee Picture 1
Committee Picture 1
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Relay for life is another name of hope for people battling against cancer here at St. Johns, Newfoundland. It is a 12-hour long, overnight fundraiser that is carried out by MUN students. All the participants and the organizers get together at The Works, Field House, to walk for 12 hours around the track in support of the fight against cancer. Before the event starts, the participants collect pledges from contributors and donors. There are also lots of interactive and engaging games and content during the event as different teams gear up for it in the spirit of which team can raise the most funds. rather than being solely focused on fundraising, the event ensures an experience of a lifetime as well.

“It’s not just about the money but spreading the love and support and how it has an impact over our lives,” said Courtney who herself has been working consistently with Relay for Life with her heart and soul and has been a part of it ever since her high school years.

She also added that all the money collected through the fundraiser goes to Daffodil Place on Ropewalk Lane, the Canadian Cancer Society wing dedicated o supporting those battling cancer. This is where patients are provided with an alternative accommodation during their treatments, at a much cheaper cost than in hotels or alternate options. Daffodil Place strives to provide them with the sense of community and belonging where they share the same story and hope. They also get access to services like transportation, food, prosthetic and a lot more, for free.

Just like every year, the bar is set high in terms of raising the fund for Relay for Life. In 2018, the event raised about $40,000. This year, the event was even bigger and almost double in team size. It reached far and wide and a lot of people were enthusiastic about taking part and volunteering for the event. In 2019, Relay for Life made a whopping $30,000 more than the last year. “And I feel like that’s a huge jump for us,” says Courtney.

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Relay for Life started off as a community-based event. There are two variations: one is done in community organizations and the other is run by post-secondary and high school students. The main initiative of getting this event into these academic institutions was to get the youth involved. It has been so far reaching that even junior high school students are warming up to the idea. “Our idea behind it is that to get involved young and stay involved over the years. We really want people to get together to share love and support and hopefully there will be a day where no Canadian has to fear cancer” says Courtney.

In the following years, Relay for Life will run strong, hopefully helping out and recruiting even more people throughout the process.

“We are already looking forward and planning ahead for the next event and already recruiting team members”.

Courtney Garland, Co-Chair Relay for Life

Every one in two persons has the probability of developing cancer over their lifetime. This can impact a lot of lives, both the affected and the surrounding loved ones as well. Relay for life is spread throughout Atlantic Canada, with the goal of changing and helping as many lives as possible through all their ventures, carried out with love, support and the highest of care for the brave souls battling cancer.

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