Middleton Relay marks its million-dollar milestone

Published on June 17th, 2009

Published on January 30th, 2010

By Heather Killen / Spectator / NovaNewsNow.com

Middleton’s Relay For Life has become a million-dollar baby for the Canadian Cancer Society.

This year’s June 5 event not only met its short-term goals and raised $120,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society, it reached a milestone. Over the past seven years, the Middleton Relay For Life has raised $1 million, a remarkable amount of money for a small rural town, according to coordinator Amanda Bent. “That’s an amazing figure, especially given the size of our town,” she said. Fifty-eight teams participated in this year’s Relay, somewhat down from past years. Bent added that a few of the usual teams from 14 Wing Greenwood were unable to participate this year because they’d been deployed. “So I guess you could say they have a good reason for not coming,” she said. The organizing committee decided to change it up a little this year and brought in a few things to keep it interesting for the participants who’ve faithfully returned year after year. “We made sure we had the survivors front and center during the opening ceremonies. We wanted to celebrate their participation. Their courage is a big part of why we do what we do.”

At least 130 survivors attended this year’s Relay, while 150 volunteers and a countless number of spectators were onsite throughout the overnight event. More than 1600 luminaries were lit this year in a special twilight ceremony in honour of the survivors, and those loved ones who lost their lives to cancer.

The committee worked tirelessly to bring great entertainment to this year’s event and add some party flair to opening reception, according to Bent. New this year was a scavenger hunt, a 50/50 draw, and a kidzone.

For the past few years, organizers had hoped to introduce the kidzone and it was made possible through $1500 raised through Mr. Relays 2008 and 2009, 14 Wing’s Steve Cummings and Al Johnson.

This year the organizers wanted to show special recognition to each of the team captains and brought them across the main stage to show appreciation. Bent added, “We know how hard they work and how much the team captains put into each event.”

The Shooting Stars team from Sobey’s led by team captain Ginny Potts were the top fundraisers at $6,000, while team members from the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board were given a VIP tent this year, based on the points given for their fundraising efforts and their team spirit.

Emmanuel Church was also singled-out for raising the third highest amount this year.

In all, this year’s Relay more than matched the goals the organizers had set, and working with the many dedicated volunteers is always a pleasure, according to Bent. “It’s a very nice group of people,” she added. “And we can’t thank the businesses and community enough for the wonderful support they’ve shown us. They’ve made the difference”