
June 21, 2019 · 0 Comments
By Makayla Pereira
This year’s Orangeville Relay for Life kicked off at 7 p.m. Friday with a welcome ceremony as volunteers touched on the importance of not only raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society but also the importance of creating cancer awareness.
The first lap of the night began with the survivors’ lap for those who have fought long and hard against cancer to be here today. The lap was accompanied by bagpiper Steve Turner. There was close to 20 survivors at Relay this year.
The night continued with theme laps and a performance from two the local dance studio Citrus Dance Inc. and Studio Three Dance.
The 2019 Orangeville Relay for Life had 10 teams and 55 participants registered for the walk and they collectively raised over $22,500, which will go towards supporting the many ways the Canadian Cancer Society gives back to those who are battling cancer every day.
Although Relay for Life night has come and gone, the need for fundraising has not. Karen Beaulieu, CFRE Community Fundraising Specialist, says the Relay for Life teams and participants are still working hard to reach the set goal of $28,000.
The Canadian Cancer Society is still in need of your help, the Relay for Life Orangeville page will be open until the end of August to allow those in the community to still make a donation towards fighting back against cancer and help the Canadian Cancer Society reach their goal.
Ms. Beaulieu says they were very happy with the venue of the Orangeville Lions Club sports park, with the support for the Lions Club, Relay for Life was able to save a tremendous amount of money.
Last year’s top fundraising team was Marching Mark’s, this year they raised just over $2,000 with Lynn’s Legacy following close behind them by raising over $1,600.
Ms. Beaulieu went on to explain that Team Hogg was the top fundraising team for this year.
The Hogg family and friends have been participating in Relay for Life for two years now after losing their beloved Ken Hogg to Multiple Myeloma in 2017.
Ken Hogg fought the aggressive form of blood cancer for seven months before losing his battle. On Friday his family and friends walked in memory of him and in support of the Canadian Cancer Society in an effort to give back.
Mr. Hogg’s brother Steven said the following: “It’s so nice to see so many people come out and walk for cancer. I know almost every family has been touched by cancer and we’re here to show support for the cancer society and we hope they raise a lot of money.”
Team Hogg raised well over $5,000, and of that amount Ken Hogg’s widow Petra raised over $1,900.
“It’s always nice to have this time of year to remember our brother and come together as a family and with so many others in the community coming together. It’s such a blessing to have this event,” said Ken Hogg’s sister Kelly.
Mr. Hogg was a member of the Brampton Police Department for many years. Joining his family in support at Relay for Life were many members of the department.
Donations can be made to the Orangeville Relay for Life online at the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life website.