The Eighth Annual Relay for Life will be hosted this weekend by Laurentian University.
Relay President Ann VanDerAa says the event takes place in the Ben Avery gymnasium from 7:00 p.m. this Friday evening through 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning filled with live entertainment, food stations, games, sports tournaments and more.
Other members of the 2022-2023 LU Relay for Life executive team include Vice-President of Engagement, Caitlyn Brannon (Whitby, Ontario), fourth year Sports Psychology student, and Vice-President of Finance, Cameron Hourtovenko (Sudbury, Ontario), fourth year Biomedical Biology student.
“Relay For Life is a global movement, taking place in 29 countries and 6000 communities worldwide and this year, we are so excited to celebrate the 8th annual Relay For Life event at Laurentian University. When Laurentian Relays, the school community helps make it possible for the Canadian Cancer Society to provide a national support system for people with cancer and their families. Together, we’re helping people manage life with cancer with services including accommodation at our cancer lodges, transportation to treatment, and one on one support with peer support volunteers. It’s truly because of the work from our incredible student leaders, volunteers and donors that our mission at the CCS is possible. We thank the Laurentian University community for making a remarkable impact and together, we can unite and inspire all Canadians to take control of cancer,” said Allie Raper, Senior Specialist, Relay For Life Youth, Canadian Cancer Society.
LU Relay for Life is centered around four key ceremonies. An opening and closing ceremony, a survivor ceremony and a luminary ceremony. “The luminary ceremony is a particularly emotional and heartfelt point where participants get the chance to honor people they may have lost in a very respectful way,” said VanDerAa. Participants are each given a small paper bag to decorate, in which a light is inserted. “We dim the lights in the gym and give people time to reflect. It’s genuinely some people’s favourite part of Relay.”
She says the goal this year is $30,000 and will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Though more than 125 Laurentian students have registered to participate in this year’s Relay for Life, the goal is for over 300 LU students to get involved. Students can register individually or in teams of 5-12.
LU Relay for Life welcomes new registrants up until the day of the event, March 10th.
VanDeraA adds the university has raised $284,493.61 since 2016.
