It may seem like a long way off, but the 2011 Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Relay for Life committee is already starting the planning process for this year’s event which will take place on June 11/12.

Last year, we had the most successful Relay in the Columbia Valley since we first began it, raising a whopping $76,466. And that is due, in a large part, to the incredible committee we had.

We are very lucky this year to have retained the majority of the same people on our committee, but we do have room for a few more. The wonderful thing about having such a dynamic group of people working together is that no one person has to do a ton of work. Everyone works together and we get the job done, and done very well.

This year, we are looking for an individual who would be interested in taking over the luminaries. Luminaries are a big part of the remembrance ceremony and are sold both before, and at, the event. Geraldine Gibson has done an outstanding job of organizing the luminaries for our Relay for quite a number of years, but due to health restrictions, is unable to continue as Luminary Chair. She is more than willing to help out, and coach the new volunteer, and believe me, Geraldine has this segment down to a fine art.

This position is an integral part of the funds raised at the annual Relay for Life.

Or if you just wish to sit on the committee and help out wherever your talents lead you, we welcome you.

The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of cancer research in Canada. With an annual investment of more than $50 million on a broad range of research projects, there have been improvements in the detection and diagnosis of cancer and better, less harmful treatments and life-saving clinical trials.

In the news right now is an experimental blood test that will detect a single cancer cell among one billion healthy ones. Imagine the lives that will save.

Relay for Life events held throughout Canada contribute a huge amount of money to the CCS, and thus enable valuable research to be done.

You can be part of the fundraising efforts that will eventually lead to the cures for the over 200 different kinds of cancer out there.

If you wish more information, or want to join the Relay for Life committee, I encourage you to contact me at 250-342-9059 or email me at sheilatutty@telus.net