File Photo
The Canadian Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life in Osoyoos kicked off last year with the traditional Survivor’s Lap, where cancer survivors and their loved ones kick off the event with a memorable walk along the event route at Gyro Park. This year’s event will be held at Gyro Park will take place on Saturday, June 22. Organizers are looking for volunteers. File photo.

The actual event is almost three months away, but organizers with the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life want to get their small army of volunteers in place as quickly as possible to ensure the Osoyoos relay is once again a huge success.

“We need a group of maybe 15 to 20 to help organize and a few more on the actual relay day, but the more the merrier because if you want to help out, we’ll find something for you to do,” said Osoyoos Relay for Life co-chair Maxine Boxall, who returns for a second year as event co-chair.
“We were only one of two communities in all of B.C. last year that collected more funds than the previous year and we’re proud of that. Volunteers play a huge role in our success.”

The Relay for Life event has taken place in Osoyoos since 2005 and has raised more than $350,000 over the past eight years, which is remarkable for a town this size, said Boxall.
“Last year was our second-best event since we started this in 2005 as we raised more than $46,000, despite the fact we only had 15 teams registered. During our best year, we had 28 teams and our goal this year is to greatly increase the number of teams and, of course, raise as much money as possible.”

One of the teams from last year raised more than $10,000 in pledges on their own and they will be returning again this year to try and raise more money, said Boxall.

A total of 10 teams have already registered, which is very encouraging with the event date set for Saturday, June 22, she said.

Once again, participants will gather in Gyro Park and will spend 12 hours – between noon and midnight – walking a short course in clear view of fellow participants, spectators and supporters.

Money raised from the Relay for Life goes towards cancer research, support services like transportation, housing, education and awareness programs, said Boxall.

Volunteers are being recruited for numerous positions, including security, team recruitment, setting up tents, setting up and tearing down the site, food preparation, helping set up luminaries and organizing and assisting with activities for participants the day of the relay.

The organizing committee held another organizational meeting in early April at the Sonora Community Centre.

Boxall said volunteering as event co-chair of one of the biggest annual fundraising events held in Osoyoos is something she thoroughly enjoys.

“It’s kind of my way of giving back to the community,” she said. “There were a lot of things I wanted to get involved with when I was working, but I just couldn’t find the time, but now I have more time and I wanted to do something meaningful as a volunteer. I am very glad to have got involved in the Relay for Life because it’s such a great event and the money raised goes towards such a great cause.”

The Town of Osoyoos has been extremely helpful in lending equipment for the event with town employees assisting with setting up the site and course, said Boxall.
Mayor Stu Wells and several members of council always participate, she said.

Numerous businesses from the community also contribute to the silent auction and both grocery stores provide food for the participants and volunteers on event day, she said.

“We have tremendous support from the town and local businesses and we wouldn’t be able to hold such a great event every year without their support and assistance,” she said.

The Relay for Life is often emotional for participants as there are very few people who haven’t been impacted by cancer, said Boxall.

Being able to come out and contribute to such a worthy cause has brought many of the same people back year after year and many have been involved since the Relay for Life started in  this community, she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering their time for the Relay for Life can contact co-chair Tanya Tressel at 250-495-4955.

 

They can also go online and register at [email protected].

If a team is interested in joining, they can also register online at relaybc.ca or pick up registration forms at the Sonora Community Centre or the Wine Kitz retail outlet.