OSOYOOS CAME TOGETHER IN A FANTASTIC RELAY EVENT
The people of Osoyoos should feel very proud and good about themselves this week.
They pitched in like never before to make this year's Relay for Life fundraiser for cancer research an overwhelming success “ raising more than $57,000 in their marathon overnight walk and run. That beat last year's total by more than $23,000!rnThe town came together “ in a great spirit of optimism, fun, and determination “ to fight for a cure for the disease that takes such a high toll on individuals, families and communities.
For the more than 30 teams of local people who walked and ran around the infield at the Desert Park track from 7:00 on Saturday evening until 7:00 Sunday morning “ including our own Osoyoos Times gang “ it was an emotional, heartwarming, and uplifting event.
Amid the smiles, laughs and joy as we walked for a cure, were the memories, tears and fond remembrances of those family, friends and neighbours who have been taken from us far too early by the killer disease.
The initial walk by cancer survivors, the on-stage testimonials by those who have lost loved ones, the hundreds of 'luminary' commemorative candles set out around the track, and the nighttime candlelight procession were all moving reminders of those we have lost and of why we were all out walking through the night.
The cameraderie and collective human spirit made us believe that our efforts will help to find a cure.
Hats off to all the participants who walked so many miles and raised so many dollars, to the volunteers who helped with food and entertainments, to emcee Tom Shields who kept the program going, and to all the organizers, led by co-chairs Jim Harrington and Ted Cronmiller.
It was a fantastic event!
