Meghan Roberts believes she and her team can give cancer the boot.
In fact, the Relay for Life’s Oak Bay Believers team will do just that at a fundraiser June 10 at Monterey centre.
“It’s going to be a really fun, western-themed event and a chance to bring the community together,” Meghan says.
The evening features a home-style dinner, cash bar, entertainment by the Chrissy and Kelly Band, line dancing lessons, door prizes and raffle. Items up for grabs include breakfast for six at the Oak Bay fire hall, a two-night stay at Tigh-na-mara, a sports fan package, a whale watching tour for two and much more.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets, $30, are available at the Oak Bay, Henderson and Monterey rec centres. The deadline to purchase tickets is June 3 and all proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society, through Relay for Life.
The Believers came together initially for the Run for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research and programs. This year, with many team members touched by cancer in its many forms, they decided on the broad-reaching Relay for Life, an inspirational, non-competitive, Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser that celebrates life and fights cancer. The event is at the University of Victoria June 24.
“Cancer has been very prevalent in the workplace recently and it’s just been on our minds. It’s a cause that’s near and dear to a lot of our hearts and we came together to show our support,” says Roberts, fundraising co-ordinator for the team.
The Believers is headed by Roberts’ mom, Heather, Oak Bay Parks receptionist. “She’s incredibly passionate about it.”
The Oak Bay fundraiser plays into the western theme for this year’s Relay for Life: “Outlaw Cancer.” At the relay, participants will enjoy music from the County Line, a chili cook-off, lasso contests and more. “This year’s Victoria Relay for Life is going to be amazing,” says Jan Buehler, Team Lead, Annual Giving, Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon. “We know this year’s event will be tons of fun and it’s on the last day of school, so if you are out of school, help us Outlaw Cancer.”
The Canadian Cancer Society family fundraising event provides vital support services for local cancer patients and their families. Nationally, the annual fundraiser raises more than $40 million, while here in Victoria, the 2015 Relay saw 257 participants raise more than $50,000.
Additional registrations are sought for this year.
“Each year an amazing and dedicated team of volunteers helps the Canadian Cancer Society staff put on a fantastic Relay in Victoria,” Buehler says, noting that by joining Relay, participants become a part of the largest cancer fundraiser in the world and help the society to continue to lead the way to a healthier future.Participants also join thousands across Canada in a commitment to fight cancer by raising funds for ground-breaking research and vital community services.
The Canadian Cancer Society provides a range of support services to Greater Victoria residents, including the peer support program, CancerConnection, the toll-free information line, Camp Goodtimes for children living with cancer and their families and access to lodging during cancer treatment.
Roberts urges the community to come out June 10 for a fun evening and opportunity to show their support for those living with cancer and their loved ones.
“Everyone is affected by cancer,” she says. “People want to give back but they don’t always know how. This is a fun way to get involved and have fun while doing it.”
When & where
• Give Cancer the Boot, Friday, June 10 at Monterey Centre. Tickets $30, available from Oak Bay, Henderson and Monterey Rec Centres. The deadline for purchase is June 3. For more information, call 250-370-7300.
• Relay for Life is at UVic’s Centennial Stadium from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 24
• Accept the baton today and join Relay For Life at relayforlife.ca.