Big fun helped bring big relay total
Participants and supporters of 100 Mile’s Relay for Life lit personalized luminaries around the park.
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Updated: June 24, 2009 8:36 AM
While the crowd wasn’t as big as organizers hoped, participants made up for the lack of people with their big presence and bigger hearts.
“It was an absolutely grand day,” said 100 Mile House’s Relay for Life organizer Marisa Peter after the event; the district was one of hundreds of communities across the country that hosted the Canadian Cancer Society’s fundraising relay in 2009.
This year’s all-new organizing committee is very pleased with how the day played out.
“This is probably one of the volunteer things I’ve enjoyed the most,” said Peter.
“The new team challenges went over really well; the survivor race was good and the lip-synch contest was an absolute hoot.”
But the day’s fun didn’t eclipse the reason for the gathering; 17 teams (181 participants) collected pledges prior to the relay and walked the course from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., collectively raising $51,121.47 — a total that may yet rise.
“That doesn’t include site sales, sponsors, registration and online luminary sales,” said Peter.
The top individual fundraiser was Aliel Leslie, who helped push her team, the Donex Hillbillies, to the top of the heap in team fundraising, as well.
The team spirit award went to toga-clad Reti to Conquer.
Peter said the
entertainment really came through, and she was especially impressed by the South Cariboo Idols.
“I cannot believe the talent we have in this town.
More people need to come out and see these idols; they seemed very comfortable on stage and enjoyable to hear.
“The bands were also awesome and Doug Steven and the PSO kids are always great.”
Although the committee didn’t hit their luminary sales goal of 1,000, they did make it to “almost half.” Both the park and parts of the district were glowing with the light of the special bags with candles inside as the relay came to a close.
“There was a great response from the community,” said Peter. “The whole creek in the park lit up was an amazing sight. Thank you to everyone who took part.”
As for the low turnout of spectators and supporters, Peter said it was most likely due to conflicting South Cariboo events on that day.
“I think it’s important that when communities hold important events they schedule around other functions, so events don’t overlap; local events need the support of the outlying communities.”
Next year will be the relay’s 10th
anniversary in 100 Mile, and Peter
said the organizers have “a few things up our sleeves” for the occasion.
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