By: Kristin Laird
Preparations are underway as staff and st dents of Oakville Trafalgar igh School (OTHS) prepare to host the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life, May 25.
For four months, organizers and participants have been busy with logistics to registration, finances and entertainment-- myriad planning issues.
"We need to make sure all the pieces are in play -- following up on rentals, organizing the teams, making sure the money gets in, food, and event coordination. Each sub committee is responsible for those aspects," said staff advisor and creative arts and science teacher, Gregg Shanks.
Approximately 500 students will participate. The festivities will commence at 7 p.m. Teams of 10 will line the track for the Survivor Victory Lap. Those who have conquered the disease will walk the track as their names are read aloud. The relay will continue through the night, where one member of each team must remain mobile at all times. A ceremony will mark the conclusion of the relay at 7 a.m.
"Relay For Life is an incredible event. It honours cancer survivors and remembers those we have lost to cancer. It's a party with a purpose," said Relay For Life High School Coordinator, Shellbie Wilson.
For Grade 11 student Ross Mylet, it's more than a good time with friends.
"It actually means a lot to me...my grandparents died of cancer. I shaved my head for cancer last year, and this year I'm doing the relay. I'm trying to do as many fundraisers as I possibly can," he said.
Relay For Life staff support event organizers. They answer questions teachers or students may have. Although the school plans the event -- start to finish -- it's very much a collaborative effort.
"We meet with the committee throughout their planning and provide them with a Relay For Life how-to CD. We ask they incorporate their own ideas. As much as we have key parts to the event, it's really about adding special touches that will hit home with their students," said Wilson.
Shanks and school sub-committees have managed to plan a unique event for the OTHS crowd. They have planned activities to boost enthusiasm to keep people interested and moving throughout the night.
"There will be about five bands performing. We'll also be having a dodge ball tournament, a massive game of Twister, all night movies, we also have a hypnotist coming," said Shanks. "We'll have a lap where everyone has to walk backwards, and a lap where everyone has to leap frog."
Those taking part should pack the essentials.
"Food and some clothes and maybe a blanket - a pillow for sure. My buddy's bringing a tent. It's massive. It fits like 15 people. I'm bringing music too," said Mylet.
One important element Mylet plans to incorporate into his relay preparation is food. Although most events supply a certain amount of snacks, as Mylet pointed out it's better to be prepared.
"We're going to load up on chips and candy," said Mylet.
Last year OTHS raised $63,000, contributing to the $1.4 million the event pulled in province wide. This year the school has set a goal of $75,000. All of the money raised goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.
"The Canadian Cancer Society funds research on all types of cancer and provides accurate and important information to people facing cancer, and their family and friends," said Wilson.
For information on how to get involved in a Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life Event, log onto www.cancer.ca.
This article appeared in The Oakville Beaver on May 12, 2007.
http://oakvillebeaver.com/news/article/91842
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