The 9th Trinity-Conception Relay for Life took place in Carbonear on Saturday, Sept. 8, and raised a record amount of money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Relay co-ordinator Danielle Doyle said nearly $81,400 was collected, well above the roughly $64,000 raised in 2011.
Some 36 teams — some with up to 40 members — took part in the 12-hour relay, and more than 100 cancer survivors participated in a survivors' walk and reception.
Three teams — Teens of Hope (led by Matthew Sheppard), Ocean Kiss Wenches (Powell's Supermarkets) and Family and Friends for Life (family and friends of Susan Coady-Head) — raised over $9,000 each, and organizers estimate that some 450 people participated in the event, which was staged for the second year at the Carbonear recreation complex.
Most participants had a very real and personal reason for taking part in the relay. For example, the Family and Friends for Life team assembled just two weeks before the relay as a tribute to the late Susan Coady-Head, who died in August from cancer at the age of 40. Susan was from Harbour Grace, but lived in St. John's. She is the daughter of Helen and Jim Coady, and was married to Roger Head.
The team raised just over $9,000.
The top individual top fundraiser was Debbie Penney of Carbonear, who raised more than $2600. Penney was a member of the CeeBees Minor Hockey Association team.
It was one of some two dozen relays taking place throughout the province. More than just a fundraiser, the relay brought together large numbers to celebrate the courage of cancer survivors, and continue the fight to find a cure.
Organizers are already looking ahead to the 2013 event, though a host site has not yet been determined. Doyle said the target for next year - the 10th anniversary of the relay - is $100,000.
New volunteers and committee members are also welcomed, she noted.
