The Relay for Life is mixing things up this year in an attempt to draw in a broader base of participants. At an early glance, it seems to be working.
The annual charity event for the Canadian Cancer Society is excited about its new noon to midnight schedule. In the past, participants have endured a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. overnighter to suit the enduring theme that 'cancer never sleeps.'
"We're hoping that with that change more families could come out," said co-ordinator Treena Mohrbutter.
To further encourage that demographic, she mentioned that there would be a lot of games and entertainment planned for people on the sidelines including returning favourites the Edmonton Caring Clown Society and musical performers from Innovations Music.
"It should be good for the families."
There are lots of other events planned throughout the day, including silent and live auctions. Sobeys will be sponsoring the lunch while Boston Pizza is set to serve up the supper.
The fundraiser often brings cancer survivors and their supporters out in a show of solidarity as they walk in teams, passing the baton between members to prove the old adage that there's strength in numbers. It also features a luminary ceremony with candles lit around the track to inspire the walkers and to help light the way during one of the shortest nights on the calendar.
This year, that ceremony will take place at approximately 9:45 p.m.
"We hope it will be dark enough. It's that time of year."
So far, 13 teams have signed up to take the 12-hour challenge, already surpassing last year's 10 teams. This translates to approximately 100 people but Mohrbutter's goal is to have 150 people on the track.
"The more teams, the more participants, the better," she said. "If we beat that, that would be awesome."
She also has her sights set on a fundraising tally of $51,500. To help pull the whole thing off, she still needs another 35 volunteers to step up to the plate.
People interested in helping out can call Mohrbutter at 780-718-2679 or sign up at www.volunteersignup.org/MBQJF. To register or to find more information on the event, please visit www.relayforlife.ca.
The sixth annual Relay for Life is set to take place on Saturday, June 13 at the Fowler Athletic Track on Sir Winston Churchill Ave.
Scouts still on hunt for second hand stuff
There is less than one week until the 12th St. Albert Scouts kick-off their second annual garage sale event and they're still in desperate need of things to sell.
The goal is to raise enough money to send 17 Scouts to the upcoming Jamboree in Japan, at a cost of $4,000 to $5,000 each. So far, however, the stockpile of donated goods has fallen far below what was received last year.
"We're trying to scramble for support," said organizer Steve Sande.
The group has repeated the call for donations to the cause. Anyone who has a quality secondhand item (including sports equipment, household goods, furniture, books, clothes, tools, and toys) can drop them off at the sale site. Pickups can also be scheduled by calling 780-616-8528 or via email at [email protected].
The garage sale is located at the King of Kings Lutheran Church, 54211 Range Road 253 on St. Albert Trail. It will run every weekend from May 29 through June 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
People can also visit www.scoutgaragesale.com for more details.
Kids with Cancer at LB's
Supporters are gearing up to tackle the 800-km bike marathon that is the Tour of Hope, and they're bringing a bit of a booster to LB's Pub next Friday.
The event starts at 7 p.m. on May 29 with CBC's Mark Connolly set to host. There will be live music and dancing, as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $20.
The tour is a double challenge to cyclists with climbs to the highest peaks in both this province and in British Columbia. The annual event has brought in more than $2.6 million. This year's ride runs June 13 to 21.
LB's is located at 23 Akins Drive. Visit www.lbspub.ca for details.
