THUNDER BAY -- It’s never too early to start fundraising for one of the city’s biggest charitable events.
Now in its 14th year, the Relay For Life will take place June 14 at Fort William Historical Park. But the Canadian Cancer Society will kick off the event Tuesday evening in order for teams to start organizing.
“Today we’re encouraging team captains to get involved, teams to join a team, if you’re a survivor you can participate in survivor victory lap,” fundraising coordinator Kyle Van Ravenswaay said.
This year the relay has a $186,000 goal with 200 survivors and 95 teams. It’s a big goal but Van Ravenswaay thinks the community will step up. Last year teams had to drop out at the last minute, which hurt the relay’s goal.
“We came a little bit short of our revenue goal (last year) due to just circumstances in Thunder Bay at the time with the flood happening three weeks before the event,” he said.
For the first time in years the event will have a theme.
“It’s circus themed,” he said. “With a big tent, we’re going to have jugglers.”
Van Ravenswaay said the relay is more than a fundraiser. It begins with a survivor celebration and is highlighted with a cande light vigil to commemorate those who have passed on.
“It’s a rollercoaster of emotion,” he said.
There are also live bands and things like zumba to keep people moving during the 12-hour event.
