LITTLE CURRENT—The Canadian Cancer Society is rallying the Manitoulin community to harness their passion and join in the battle against cancer by taking part in the Relay for Life on Friday, June 5 from 6 pm to midnight.
“By taking part in the Relay for Life and challenging yourself to go the distance, you’ll help fund vital cancer support services and Canada’s most promising cancer research,” said organizer and 100.7 The Island radio personality Kelly (KT) Timmermans. She encouraged everyone on the Island along with the Manitoulin expat community to come out to take part and to register at convio.cancer.ca.
“We are also looking for folks to help entertain,” noted Ms. Timmermans who, along with husband Craig operate the popular Manitoulin Country Fest and the fast growing Frec.Me music festival that take place on Manitoulin Island each summer.
As part of the Relay for Life, participants are encouraged to bring their trailers into the park grounds to provide a great base for their relay efforts.
“Cancer has touched all of our lives, either directly or through a friend or family member,” said Ms. Timmermans, who cited her own recent brush with the disease, along with the decision by The Town of Espanola to not proceed with the event this year, as motivation behind taking up the Relay for Life baton. “We all need to work together to put an end to this terrible disease.”
Ms. Timmermans explained that the Relay for Life is for everyone. “You can participate at any age and at any fitness level,” she said. “This is a team challenge, not a race. You challenge yourself and your teammates to walk five kilometres, 10 kilometres or longer distances as a team relay goal.”
The Cancer Society notes in its literature that “by reaching your fundraising goal, the dollars you raise will work harder to make a greater impact against more cancers in more communities across Canada and support everyone in your life that has been touched by cancer.”
Ms. Timmermans pointed out that folks can sign up online at the relayforlifeontario.ca website, or simply pop into the relayforlife Facebook page where they can find challenges like that of Aundeck Omni Kaning’s Jo-Anne Audette. “It would be really great if businesses across Manitoulin Island came together and submitted a team,” wrote Ms. Audette. “This would give businesses free advertising while supporting a great cause. Come on Manitoulin businesses, step up to the plate. I challenge you!”
