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Marchers raised $79,000 at Dufferin Relay for Life at fairgrounds Saturday

June 23, 2016   ·   0 Comments

The Dufferin Relay for Life was a great success once again this year, with 180 participants raising over $79,000 and money still coming in. This was the Dufferin team’s sixth annual relay event at the Orangeville Agricultural Society fairgrounds, where it has raised well over $500,000 for research for the Canadian Cancer Society since it began.

The relay was walked on a track at the fairgrounds with the outside perimeter lined in campsites decorated in team colours and themes. The inside of the track held family activities and games, including a bouncy castle, volleyball, face painting, and an arts and crafts area, as well as a stage for ceremonies and bands including performances by the ODSS Jazz band, and another local band “Old School,” as well as a live DJ.

“The weather cooperated for the first time in many years,” said organizer Terry Dole. “Although it was hot and sunny, our teams took care to stay sun-protected and well hydrated.  This was the first year doing a majority daytime event (12 noon to midnight) and it was well received. There was lots of family participation with plenty of activities for the kids and adults.”

Ms. Dole reports the event “had an astounding 55 volunteers, plus my fantastic committee that helped make the day a success. Everyone was well fed with the help of Lavender Blue catering, orchestrating and contributing to the food donations, and our many amazing local restaurants, farmers and food suppliers. We had approximately 75 survivors and their caregivers attend our special ‘Breakfast in Paris’ themed brunch prior to the relay’s start.”

She says that although RAM rodeo overlapped their event at the Fairgrounds, there weren’t really any issues. “They were very respectful of our quiet times at opening ceremonies and luminary lighting ceremonies,” says Ms. Dole. “Overall, the energy was high and spirited all around.”

She added, “None of this is possible without the backing of an amazing community.

“The final numbers are not in yet, but we maintained our nearly zero budget expenses through sponsorship and donations. We truly are blessed to live in such a terrific place with compassionate people. With efforts like this, we are one step closer to ending cancer.”

You can still donate to the cause. Contact Dufferin Relay for Life by phone 519-939-3663 or email tdoel@msn.com. Donors can also go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society Dufferin Relay event page to sponsor a team, a person or make a general donation: convio.cancer.ca and enter Dufferin. There is also a link on Facebook: Dufferin Relay for Life.

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