Relay for Life Raises $32,000
March 30, 2010 - Campus Bulletin
University of Guelph students raised more than $32,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society during this weekend's Relay for Life. About 276 people in teams of 10 participated in the 12-hour relay that was held in the Gryphon Dome Saturday night.
"I am so pleased with how well the event turned out," said Samantha Smith-Moskal, a third-year French studies student who chaired this year’s event. "We couldn't be happier with our success. People have even approached me in the hallways to congratulate me and the committee on such a fun and exciting event. I can't wait to do it again next year."
Smith-Moskal knows first-hand what it's like to battle cancer. At this time last year, she was still dealing with some severe side effects of her fight against acute promyelocytic leukemia. “Having cancer was the worst experience of my life," she said. "I want as few people as possible to go through it."
Relay for Life takes place across Canada and the United States at various times throughout the year. U of G was the first university to organize a relay, and this was the sixth year for the event. Guelph currently holds the record for the most money raised by a post-secondary institution.
Highlights of Relay for Life include 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.
Money raised from the U of G event goes towards helping the Canadian Cancer Society’s local groups support cancer patients and fund research into new and more effective treatments.
