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News Release

April 02, 2007

Students Raise Nearly $80,000 for Canadian Cancer Society

University of Guelph students set a new record during this weekend’s Relay for Life, raising nearly $80,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

The amount surpasses last year’s total by more than $20,000. It’s the most money any university or college has raised through a Relay for Life to date.

“I’m beyond thrilled,” said Elizabeth Holmes, a U of G student and chair of the event. As of noon today, the tally was $79,421, but Holmes added that the amount will increase because online pledges are being accepted until midnight April 8.

“I am just so proud of everyone,” she said. About 500 people in teams of 10 participated in the 12-hour relay that was held at Alumni Stadium Saturday night.

The Relay for Life fundraising initiative takes place across Canada and the United States at various times throughout the year. This is the third year U of G has hosted an event.

Before the event, participants raise $100 each in pledges, on top of their $10 registration fee. All proceeds go to fund cancer research, support programs and advocacy.

“This event is so important because it is proof that you can make a difference,” Holmes said.

Highlights of the Relay for Life event included a survivor-led victory lap for cancer survivors and their families and a candlelight ceremony to honour or remember loved ones who have battled cancer. U of G professor Jim Petrik also spoke about ongoing cancer research taking place on campus.

Laura Owens, a senior fundraiser with the Canadian Cancer Society, said the total means U of G continues to hold the record for the most amount of money raised by a post-secondary institution. “Guelph is definitely the leader,” she said. “It’s just fabulous — everyone here is so excited. ”

The fact that U of G’s committee is run by students makes the event’s success even more meaningful, said Owens. “On top of everything else they’re doing in their lives, they volunteered and put this event together and managed to raise nearly $80,000. That is just amazing. And the fact that they raised $20,000 more than last year — that’s even more amazing.”