Relay For Life Set to Run in the Gryphon Dome
March 25, 2008 - News Release
About 400 people will be doing laps around the track at the Gryphon Dome March 29 as part of a 12-hour relay to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The University of Guelph's Relay for Life event starts at 7 p.m., and more than 50 teams are participating.
U of G was the first university to organize the 12-hour relay, and this is the fourth year for the event. Last year the University set a new record, raising more than $83,000, which is the most money any university or college has raised through a Relay for Life to date.
“We raised enough money to fund a research lab for a year,” said U of G student Sarah Couch, who is co-chairing the event with student Kara Schneider. “This year, our goal is to raise more than $100,000. We think we can do it, too. This university has a reputation for social consciousness, and Relay for Life is an easy way to get involved and make a contribution. This event is just one night, but it has a huge impact.”
Both Couch and Schneider have been involved in the event since the University's first Relay for Life and are among 45 volunteers organizing this year's fundraiser.
The two students said they have chosen to support cancer research for two reasons: the significance of the disease and the real possibility of hope as research progresses.
“When you look at the statistics on cancer, the incidence rates are sad,” said Schneider. “But when you look at all the gains in recent years, it’s very encouraging. The research is finding cures and people are surviving cancer."
Relay participants form teams of 10 people, and the members of each team take turns walking the track, with one person from each team on the track at all times for the full 12 hours. Each team member raises $100 to participate.
The money raised from the U of G event will go towards helping the Canadian Cancer Society’s local groups support cancer patients and fund research into new and more effective treatments, said Schneider.
Not only does the event raise money, but it's also an opportunity to recognize those who have been directly touched by cancer, she added.
“We open the evening with a survivors' lap. And later we do a tribute to those who have died of cancer with luminaries set up around the track. These moments are some of the most emotional aspects of the event."
Those interested in participating can still sign up for the event by visiting the website. Luminaries, which cost $5, can be purchased on the website or at the event.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
