LEWISPORTE -
For the first time since hosting the Relay For Life, the annual fundraiser was held in June and deemed a success by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). The event was held at the Lewisporte Stadium on June 12 from 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. with 11 teams participating, raising $27,000 for cancer research and support for patients undergoing treatment in this province.
"The fact that the town of Lewisporte came together to raise nearly $27,000 (to date-with more to come), when there had just been another successful event nine months prior was wonderful," said CCS community development assistant Amanda Race. "It's a great thing to see so many people who are still willing to do the Relay For Life only a few short months later."
Ms. Race said regardless of the amount raised, survivorship is what the event celebrates and the Lewisporte Relay For Life had a celebratory atmosphere.
"You could tell from the moment the survivors' walked in the door that the participants and volunteers were at the Relay For Life for the right reasons," she said. "The excitement grew as the survivors' did their victory lap and the participants did their team lap.
"The luminary ceremony was also very moving this year, everyone coming together to reflect and remember loved ones and to celebrate the lives of those touched by cancer - it's hard not to be touched by that."
Throughout the event the organizing committee provided games for the children, a Wacky Olympics and Relay Idol for teams taking part and entertainment during the 12-hour non-competitive relay.
"I can't say enough about the organizing committee in Lewisporte," said Ms. Race. "The committee did a phenomenal job planning the 2010 Relay For Life."
Members of the organizing committee included logistics and chairperson Melanie Tucker, food and beverage coordinator Rhonda Luscombe, registration coordinator Aimee Perry, entertainment director Cathy Verge, marketing and communications director Pam Snow, relay rendezvous coordinator Shirley Sceviour, luminaries coordinator Violet Chaulk, health and safety director Todd Potter, survivors reception director Dawn Elliot and kids activities coordinator Kim Stokes.
"It's a hard job to find the time and people to plan a successful Relay when you have a year between events," said Ms. Race. "But the Lewisporte Relay For Life organizing committee did all the work in almost half the time and to see such an event go off without a hitch was amazing."
Committee chair Melanie Tucker said no date has been set for the 2011 Relay For Life, however, the committee will be meeting soon to discuss the overall 2010 event.
"Everyone seemed to enjoy the stadium this year," said Ms. Tucker. "Everyone said there was a feeling of closeness. It was a great night."
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