PORT MCNEILL – New day, new time and new plans for the future are ahead for the 2011 Relay for Life.
This year will mark the sixth Relay for Life on the North Island. Last year 21 teams of 177 people total took part in the event in Port Hardy, raising more than $47,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. The annual relay encourages teams of people to raise funds and then walk the local high school track for 12 hours. Special events, food and entertainment throughout the event keep participants going.
This year the relay moves back to Port McNeill for the third time. Previously the relay was alternated between Port McNeill and Port Hardy every two years, but organizer Scott Mitchell said it will hereafter alternate annually.
"We'll alternate annually in order to keep a stronger connection to the event in both communities," said Mitchell.
This year the relay will be held May 28, a little earlier than usual, but organizers hope holding it in May rather than June will avoid scheduling conflicts.
Along with a new day is a new time. The relay has traditionally been held from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m., with participants walking the school track all night.
"This year in Port McNeill we will be trying something new and starting the relay at noon, ending 12 hours later at midnight," said Mitchell. "We are hoping that this time change will make the event more appealing to families and youth, as well as those who are no longer into all nighters."
To register a team, donate or to learn more, go to www.cancer.ca/relay or contact Lisa Brown at 250-956-5150 email lisa.brown@gov.bc.ca or Scott Mitchell at 250-956-3182, email asmitch@telus.net.