PERTH - Who wouldn’t want to take a kick at cancer?
Well now you can strut, jog, walk, or sashay your way towards beating cancer at the annual Relay for Life.
This year’s event will be held at the track at Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute on Friday, June 7.
“We used to be at the Lombardy Fair Grounds but we have changed locations,” said Terry Cullen, a volunteer team chair with the Canadian Cancer Society, during a presentation to the Town of Perth Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 15. She made a similar presentation Jan. 14 at the regular meeting of North Grenville Council.
“Cancer doesn’t sleep. Neither do we,” said Cullen of the all-night event, which goes from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next day.
The evening starts with the survivor’s victory lap.
“They really are our guests of honour,” said Cullen, with 97 survivors taking to the track last year. “This is an amazing ceremony. If you have not seen it I encourage you to do so and then no come back every year.”
About one in three Canadians will be touched by cancer in their lifetime.
“This is a terrifying and scary statistic,” said Cullen. “But cancer can be beaten.”
The society is looking for an average donation of $175, but they appreciate whatever amounts can be raised. She encouraged businesses to get involved in the walk too.
“It’s good for employees to have them working towards a common goal,” said Cullen. “It is good for morale.”
While a good pair of walking shoes is recommended, other than that, you don’t have to be an Olympian to take part in the walk.
“This is for anyone at any level of athletic ability,” said Cullen. “If you can’t run a marathon, don’t worry.”