Local Relay for Life programs being adopted across New Brunswick

The Canadian Cancer Society is adopting at least two programs that have been designed and developed by the Sackville-Mount Allison Relay for Life organizers for use in the various Relay projects run annually across New Brunswick.

The organizing committee learned during its annual 2009 wrap-up meeting that both the Smart Shop and spreadsheet have been determined to surpass anything that has been in use and will be used in other communities beginning in 2010.

NB Cancer Society representative Terry Roberts of Saint John said the work done by Cindy Crossman and her group with the Smart Shop has been amazing and will be used as a template for all such events in the province. With the exception of McAdam, all communities conduct their relays in June. The local one falls in October since students are not back in town until September.

Roberts is encouraging student organizers this year to begin the task of forming teams as early as March so fundraising and other related activities could occur over the summer, eliminating some of the last-minute scurrying that has become routine.

She also complimented local officials for the manner in which they have successfully adapted their spreadsheets, which will serve as a model for others.

Kim Ford, outgoing co-chair on behalf of the town, said just over $50,000 has been raised in the 2009 local relay as money has continued to flow in since the October fundraiser. She will be stepping down as will student co-chair Deanne Tucker. However, Patrick Joyce has agreed to succeed Tucker while it is believed the committee is close to announcing the name of a town co-chair.

The Relay was initiated by the Yellow Ribbon Society of Mount Allison and the students were later joined by the town with Lou Lambe and the late Monique Barton as driving forces.

Lambe, who served as co-chair for three years, says there has always been support for the events from the community but there continues to be difficulty attracting people to serve on the joint committee. Students have performed most of the on-site work with dozens of volunteers carrying out a multitude of tasks. Walkers and joggers from the Tantramar region provide the bulk of the funds but are much less involved in the planning and organizing.

With at least 100 cancer survivors living in the region, it is hoped some may step forward this year to assist. The death of Monique Barton has left a void that requires a good deal of filling as she performed multi roles due to the lack of sufficient town representatives on the committee. Anyone who would like to become involved, phone Lou Lambe at 536-8115 for information.

The top three teams in the October relay were Kathy's Krew, the Vigilants and the Church Mice, in that order.