Relay raises over $79,000 for cancer research

June 24, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Marni Walsh

Despite the heat, Relay for Life took place at the Orangeville Agricultural Fairgrounds on June 18 with 180 participants raising over $79,000 for cancer research.

“Although it was hot and sunny, our teams took care to stay sun protected and well hydrated,” said Dufferin Relay Team Coordinator Terry Doel. “We had an astounding 55 volunteers, plus my fantastic committee that helped make the day a success.”

About 75 survivors and their caregivers attended a “Breakfast in Paris” themed brunch before the Relay got under way.

This was the first year the Relay took place primarily during the daytime, and Ms. Doel says it was well received.

“There was lots of family participation with plenty of activities for the kids and adults including performances by the ODSS Jazz band and Old School (a local band) and a live DJ,” said Doel. “Everyone was well fed with the help of Lavender Blue catering, orchestrating and contributing to the food donations, and our many amazing local restaurants, farmers and food suppliers.”

Although the teams had to share the grounds with Ram Rodeo, which was scheduled for the same day, Ms. Doel said it was not a problem.

“Most of our fundraising is done months in advance of the event,” says Ms. Doel, “and our event was not open to spectators.”

Relay organizers worked with Ram Rodeo to coordinate both events, she said, and although Relay for Life participants were able to hear the Rodeo, the two events had no issues sharing the 500 acres of Fairgrounds.

This is the Dufferin team’s sixth annual Relay event at the Orangeville Agricultural Fair Grounds, where it has raised well over $500,000 for research for the Canadian Cancer Society since it began.

The day is filled “with shared stories, tears, laughs, games, food, family and friends,” says Ms. Doel.

A luminary ceremony, where the luminaries are purchased “in memory of loved ones that have both fought and won and those who have fought and lost their cancer battles,” lights our track for the night as we walk and reflect on our memories,” she says.

To donate to the cause contact Dufferin Relay for Life by phone 519-939-3663 or email tdoel@msn.com. Donators can also go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society Dufferin Relay event page to sponsor a team, a person or make a general donation. Visit convio.cancer.ca and enter Dufferin. There is also a link on Facebook: Dufferin Relay for Life.