On 25 May 2015, students at MGCI showed their support for the fight against cancer by participating in the annual Relay for Life event. It was organized by the MGCI Cancer Society, with help from Mr. Persaud and Mrs. Cheryl Chan. The fundraising event was held to remember those who lost their lives to cancer, celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, and to fight against cancer. Relays are hosted in communities all across Canada, with proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society for cancer research and patient support programs.
Fundraising began in April with daffodil sales, which extended into May. In addition, participants had to fundraise at least $30 for the event, which included the registration fee. The student who fundraised the highest amount this year was Grade 10 student Jessica Fung, who collected $330. The fundraising during this year’s Relay for life event consisted mainly of food sales in the cafeteria all day. Samosas were sold for $0.75, or three for $2, freezies were sold for $0.25 or three for $1, and pop was sold for $1. During the lunch hour, approximately six teachers, four students, and a volunteer walked around the track to show their contributions to the fight against cancer.
Originally, the event was supposed to be held throughout the entire day, with food sales continuing in the back field after lunch. In addition, events for registered participants were supposed to run from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, but due to a lack of forms handed in on time, the afternoon portion was cancelled.
The event was supposed to include an opening ceremony, cancer survivors as guest speakers, and a luminary ceremony where participants could reflect on their reasons for supporting the fight against cancer. One of the highly advertised activities was bubble soccer, with participants playing soccer while inside inflated balls. Students were to be placed in teams, with a member from each team walking around the track throughout the afternoon.
Despite the setbacks in the organization of the event, Relay for Life was still successful in its efforts to raise awareness of the fight against cancer. Although the club’s fundraising goal was $2500, they raised $1200 for cancer research, with approximately $900 from the event itself. This figure includes both the money raised from food sales, and money fundraised by participants.
For Dorothy Qian, Junior President of the MGCI Cancer Society and Event Chair for this year’s Relay for Life, this event is important because it not only “raises awareness for cancer, but also creates an united spirit to fight cancer. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, so we’re all affected, and we need to work together to fight it.”
