The event is co-chaired by Jason McCutcheon and his wife Chrissy and will be held June 4. Last year Jason McCutcheon was honorary chair representing cancer survivors and this year Wanda Handspiker has been chosen.
Excited to be involved with the relay committee, McCutcheon said organizers are making a few changes this year, especially in the location. The elementary school soccer field is not available this year so the relay will be held at Dan Brown Memorial Ballfield.
“There’s going to be lots of room for our track and in the centre of that we’ll put the word hope spelled out with luminaries in honor of those who passed away or are fighting cancer and right behind home plate the stage will be set up,” McCutcheon said.
The relay will run from 7 p.m. to dawn the next morning instead of running to 7 a.m.
“A lot of people ask why the relay goes all night and the best reason I’ve heard is that cancer doesn’t sleep,” he said.
A complete entertainment schedule has not been finalized but McCutcheon did confirm participation by Taylor Express and John Gracie. A bagpiper will play ‘Amazing Grace’ during the luminary ceremony, an important part of the night, said McCutcheon.
A lot of people ask why the relay goes all night and the best reason I’ve heard is that cancer doesn’t sleep. - Relay for Life co-chair Jason McCutcheon
As the event date draws closer, teams have already started their fundraising efforts and as of April 23 there were 19 teams registered.
“People should get involved to make a different. It is a very spiritual rewarding experience,” said team coordinator Michelle Winchester. “I have walked in the Relay for Life the three years it has been in Digby and will walk again this year.”
She asks anyone interested in partaking to register a team in the next couple of weeks.
McCutcheon said a final team meeting would be held May 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Trinity Anglican Church Hall.
Last years’ Relay for Life raised just over $70,000 and had about 600 people taking part. For more information visit www.cancer.ca/relay
