SUDBURY—The Manitoulin Transport and Friends relay team was the top fundraiser for this year’s Sudbury Relay for Life event held at Laurentian University, but it is the idea of helping those battling cancer and those that have survived the disease that brings the team back every year.
“The Relay for Life event has been held for the past 15 years and we have had a team in it every year,” stated Deborah Woods of the Manitoulin Transport and Friendsrelay team after the event held last Friday evening and Saturday morning. “My mom has been (a cancer) survivor for the past 16 years. That is why I continue taking part and why I got involved originally.”
It was estimated 400 cancer survivors participated in the Sudbury event, the most in the province. The Relay for Life event is a 12-hour team relay, starting at 7 pm Friday evening to 7 am Saturday morning.
“The event starts with opening ceremonies at 6:30 pm and Survivor Lap takes place at 7 pm. It is breath-taking and emotional to see how many cancer survivors there are,” said Ms. Woods.
The Manitoulin Transport and Friends team raised a total of $22,893.64 for the event and cancer research.
“We were designated as a Sapphire team for the amount we raised and we were the only ones in that class,” pointed out Ms. Woods.
The Manitoulin Transport and Friends team included Anna Aelick, Wayne Aelick, Lawrie Smith, Brian Smith (senior), Brian Smith (junior), Jodi Smith, Alex Smith, Deborah Woods, Jo Woods and Bev Wright.
Last year the Sudbury event raised $310,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. In the past 14 years, the Sudbury relay has raised more than $4.8 million.
