The inaugural Osoyoos Daffodil Dash, which replaced the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life event, attracted a good crowd of 45 participants this past Sunday. All participants were asked to complete the course and raise $150 in pledges or make a personal contribution to the cancer society. Organizer Jennifer Dies was thrilled with the response to the first-time event. (Dale Cory photo)
The weather was perfect – and the smiles would certainly indicate everyone who took part had a good time.
Of course, that was at the start of the race. Many of those smiling faces would be turned into a look of exhaustion by the time the finish line appeared on the horizon.
The inaugural Osoyoos Daffodil Dash, an event organized to replace the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, took place amid sunshine and warm temperatures Sunday morning in Osoyoos.
The start/finish line, along with a food and drink table, was set up at Lions Park, just north of popular Gyro Park.
A total of 45 participants took part, with each asked to raise pledges of at least $150, or make a donation to the cancer society. The youngest runner was seven years old, and the oldest was a very young 80!
“It was a great success and we can only continue to grow from here. We exceeded our fundraising goal of $5,000. And we couldn’t do it without the generosity of the community. Thank you Osoyoos.” said Jennifer Dies, co-ordinator for Community Living for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Southern Interior Region, who organized the event. “From what I can tell, those registered were all Osoyoos residents. Which means next year I hope we can reach out to surrounding communities.”
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life raised approximately $400,000 for the fight against cancer during its lifespan, which began in 2006.
The event was supported by many individuals and groups in Osoyoos, including Greg Poirier and AG Foods, which supplied cases of oranges, the Osoyoos Rotary Club for allowing access to the power for the sound system, Sarah Dynneson from the Sonora Centre for her community support, along with volunteers Lisa Fredericks, Eileen McGinn, Denise Bowering and Irene Harfman.
Dies is confident the Daffodil Dash will build into a huge event which will raise awareness and much needed funds.
“We are looking forward to hosting our second annual Daffodil Dash in Osoyoos next year, with the full intention of growing the event,” she said. “We would love to include some local entertainment, and perhaps a BBQ.
“It’s an easy way for the entire community to get involved and support the amazing work the Canadian Cancer Society does. The weather and the beautiful landscape of Osoyoos makes it the perfect location for this type of event.”
For further information, you can call the Canadian Cancer Society’s Southern Interior Region office at 250-833-4085.
DALE CORY
Special to the Times
Participants in the Osoyoos Daffodil Dash gather for a photo. (Dale Cory photo)
Participants in the Osoyoos Daffodil Dash gather for a group photo. (Dale Cory photo)
