Despite what organizers say were four successfully-run Relay for Life events across Halton, the Canadian Cancer Society's (CCS) Halton Unit fell short of its fundraising goal.
Raising about $570,000 in total from the Halton, Oakville, Burlington and Milton Relay for Life events over the past two months, CCS’ Halton Unit fundraising co-ordinator Shelley Frank said the unit missed its mark by $160,000.
Despite not being able to reach the goal however, organizers were still very pleased with all the events, which carry the tradition of providing cancer survivors and their families with a place to celebrate their successes, remember their challenges and make a reaffirm their commitment to fighting back.
The events featured a Survivors' Victory Lap and concluded with a Fight Back Ceremony in which participants joined together in making a personal commitment to fight back against cancer in their own lives all year long.
Luminaries also lined the track to provide hope and inspiration for those taking part in the non-competitive relay. Lit during a twilight ceremony, the luminaries bore the names of someone who has won or lost their battle with cancer or carried a meaningful message meant to inspire those at the event.
Frank says the CCS' Halton Unit is now throwing itself into its upcoming fundraisers to make up for the shortfall. They include H.E.R.O.S (Halton’s Extreme Race and Obstacle Scramble) and Colours of Hope.
H.E.R.O.S, which is in its second year, takes place July 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kelso Quarry Park in Milton.
The following day on July 20 will be the first ever Colours of Hope in Halton. The five kilometre run, taking place al Kelso Park also will begin at 10 a.m.
It's a family-friendly, non-competitive 5-km walk or run where participants come dressed in white and leave covered from head to toe in a rainbow of colour. Coloured, non-toxic powder will be thrown in the air as participants walk or run the path, and a massive colour party will take place at the finish line.
For more information about the events, visit www.cancer.ca/heros or www.cancer.ca/coloursofhope.
Frank says other fundraising initiatives like Hope in the City, the Pink Ribbon campaign, Great Ride N Stride Burlington and a yoga event CCS' Halton Unit is planning for the new year will also help it continue providing support to the community and raise much needed funds for cancer research.
