Plans for Rainy's Relay for Life set for June 24th

By Melissa Jenson
RR Relay for Life

Rainy River is hosting its second annual Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life on June 24, 2011 at the Riverview School track, beginning at 7pm.
Relay For Life is a very busy 12 hours! The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life involves teams of 10 or more people who participate in an overnight, non-competitive relay. Participants of all ages take turns walking or running around a track. Teams consist of families, friends, neighbours and co-workers and they pitch tents or bring campers that are decorated according to a theme and wear costumes. This year’s theme is “Wish Upon a CURE”, each team is encouraged to dress and decorate their site to their favourite Disney movie.
Relay For Life begins with The Survivors’ Reception at 5pm held in the Riverview School gymnasium, where they will be honoured and served a delicious roast beef dinner. After the reception, there is a Survivors Victory Lap, where cancer survivors are invited to lead the way around the track as a celebration of their courage and strength. The inaugural lap gives hope and inspiration to those who are still battling cancer and to everyone who has been touched in some way by this terrible disease.
At dusk, luminaries, which are candles that are placed in special bags, light up the night sky. Each bag bears the name of cancer survivors or those who have lost their battle to cancer. The luminaries provide light and inspiration to participates all night long. Luminaries are available at the Rainy River Post Office and Rainy River Service Ontario or you can also purchase one the night of the event. We recommend that you purchase your luminary in advance to ensure that we can have all the luminaries in alphabetical order around the track so it is easier for you to find yours.
Volunteers are still needed to make this event a success. If you are interested in volunteering and/or would like to help plan the event, there are many positions that could use your help. Logistics- organize and keep the grounds for the event. Parking- organize the parking and direct people to where they can set up their site. Registration- welcome participants and help them check in on event day. Accounting- count and handle all money that comes in on the day of the event as well as on Bank Night (preferable someone who handles money on a daily basis). Survivors’- welcome all of the cancer survivors that come to the event as well as help plan the Survivors’ Reception and Victory lap. Volunteer Check In- organize volunteers that help with the event. Luminaries- sell, assemble and set up luminaries and help place them around the track. Entertainment & Activities- organize and implement entertainment and activities at the event. Cancer Smart Shop/Mission Delivery- sell Canadian Cancer Society-Relay for Life material as well as respond to questions. Food & Beverage- Prepare food and beverages for the event as well as help serve. Team Support- help participants with anything they may need.
Relay For Life is your opportunity to fight back against cancer. This is your opportunity to make a personal contribution and take action. Make a commitment to save lives by being a part of Relay here, in Rainy River- it’s an unforgettable experience, so sign up now! Visit the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life online at www.relayforlife.ca or contact Melissa Jenson 852-4576/276-2918 or Andrew Hartnell 852-3701/276-0380 for more information.
If you would still like to help out with the Relay for Life but are unable to do any of the above, there are many other things you can do to help: pledge a participant, buy a luminary, become a sponsor or contribute to the food hamper at Beaver Mills Market or volunteer to be an entertainer, cook or server at the event.
The Relay for Life is a national event that wouldn’t be a success if it wasn’t for all of the volunteers and participants that take time out of their lives to FIGHT BACK against this horrible disease. We thank you all for everything that you have done to help us in making our Relay a success!