Relay for Life still needs volunteers

The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life was supposed to take place last year in Liverpool, but didn’t happen due to a lack of volunteers and funding.

Lisa Talbot, Canadian Cancer Society District Coordinator for the South Shore, says they have selected Liverpool as a new relay site.

She held the Nov. 13 meeting in hopes of generating some interest or finding volunteers, but says it wasn’t very successful.

However, Talbot feels optimistic about bringing the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life event to Liverpool.

She has been making presentations to local organizations and groups in the community.

Talbot says she needs to spread the word to make a relay happen.

Their priority right now “is very much finding the volunteers to get involved,” she adds.

Superstore Relay For Life team co-captain, Tonya Patterson says between nine and 10 people are needed to join the committee, while 20-22 teams of 10 must be willing to attend the event.

They have until the end of January to find volunteers and enough teams, explains Patterson.

Being the only person to show up at the Nov. 13 meeting, Patterson was “disappointed.”

Having lost four people to cancer, Patterson would like to see the Relay For Life event in Liverpool.

“It’s just very personal for me,” she explains.

Volunteers can work from home as well, says Talbot.

The relay itself will take place in June 2008.

There are a few new additions to the event schedule, adds Talbot.

A “caregiver piece” will give cancer survivors a chance to recognize caregivers, says Talbot.

With the Canadian Cancer Society’s new tag line, “celebrate remember fight back” Talbot says a new “fight back” ceremony will close the event.

“It will be very energized,” she says.

Most of the money raised from each relay stays right here in the province, she adds.

For more information or to volunteer call Lisa Talbot at 902-527-0634.