Relay for life forges ahead despite pandemic
The Canadian Cancer Society’s flagship fundraising event, Relay for Life, forged ahead this weekend without breaking health orders prohibiting gatherings.
The event looked a little different this year, transforming into a one-hour online event enjoyed by relay teams across the country.
“Everyone is committed to changing the future of cancer,” said Tope Taiwo, communications lead for Relay for Life. “It’s not a journey anyone should do alone.”
The fundraising goal for Winnipeg was exceeded with almost $73,000 raised, thanks to the commitment of about 125 participants split between 24 teams.
“It was so exciting to see Canadians come together for a common cause of funding groundbreaking research in the face of cancer,” said Taiwo.
Saturday night’s proceedings included stories of cancer survival, including one person’s journey with pandemic-related treatments delays.
“The community still remains strong despite COVID. The community is still able to show that the community is greater than cancer, life is greater than cancer,” said Taiwo.
Some relay traditions remained, with participants having the option of placing luminaries in their homes to remember their loved ones.
“That element was still there even though we are still virtual, and we could have a moment to remember people we have lost due to cancer,” Taiwo said.
Nationally, about $3,500,000 was raises for cancer research.
The hope is for next year’s event to be in-person.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
WATCH LIVE 'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.