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Relay for Life hits new high

Almost 400 people forewent sleep during Squamish’s recent Relay for Life to raise an impressive $112,000 for cancer research. “It is fantastic. We raised $30,000 more than last year.

Almost 400 people forewent sleep during Squamish’s recent Relay for Life to raise an impressive $112,000 for cancer research.

“It is fantastic. We raised $30,000 more than last year. It really is a huge jump for the Sea to Sky community,” said Tamsyn Morote, coordinator for the June 22 nd event.

Forty-one teams took turns walking, running, or strolling around the Brennan Park track throughout the night to honour cancer survivors, caregivers, people battling cancer, and those who have lost the battle.

“Community involvement has really grown since we started hosting the event just three years ago. Teams are now dressing up in theme and really getting involved. It is great,” said Morote.

The event included the emotional Luminary Ceremony at dusk, where participants completed a lap holding a candle in memory of a cancer patient.

Other theme laps were also held throughout the night to keep participants awake, including a bingo lap and a poker lap.

Only a few teams from Whistler where present during the night. However, their strong enthusiasm did not go unnoticed. Whistler teams at the event included Happy Feet, which was made up of teachers from Myrtle Philip School.

“It would be great to see more teams coming down from Whistler next year. It really is a Sea to Sky community affair, and it would be great to see people in the community outside of Squamish get involved,” said Morote.

A silent auction was also held during the night to raise significant revenue. Auction items were donated by local businesses, including business from Whistler.

Squamish’s event was one of seven Relay for Life events put on by the Canadian Cancer Society in the Greater Vancouver Region this year. Other locations were Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, Sunshine Coast and Powell River.

Funds raised enable the Canadian Cancer Society to continue cancer research in Canada as well as provide support groups and services including CancerConnection, emergency aid, lodges and volunteer drives.