Amalgamated Bay of Quinte Relay for Life exceeds fundraising goal

For the first time in two years, the Bay of Quinte Relay For Life in-person event at Loyalist College, raised more than $45,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society, exceeding its goal of $30,000.

After amalgamating four communities in 2021, the Bay of Quinte Relay for Life represents Belleville, Brighton, Prince Edward County and Quinte West.

This year’s theme focused on “move and be moved,” with 21 teams and approximately 125 participants who laced up their shoes to walk around the track, including three themed laps for teams to showcase their spirit.

Forty-one volunteers helped set up and run the event, including volunteers from 8 Wing Trenton. More than 200 luminaries were sold and lit up to honour those who lost their lives from cancer. Entertainment included band The Chachkies and Off the Chartz with Johnny Sweet.

Joining the stage for opening ceremonies were Prince Edward County councillor Bill McMahon, Belleville mayor Mitch Panciuk, Quinte West mayor Jim Harrison, Brighton councillor Mark Bateman and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith.

All representatives offered stories of loved ones and encouragement to event participants, showing each community is a force-for-life.

“Cancer has touched all of our lives, and I think everybody can agree on that,” said MPP Smith said. He shared how former colleague and MPP, Daryl Kramp, benefited from the Canadian Cancer Society.

“If it hadn’t been for the advocacy from the Canadian Cancer Society, with Relay for Life and all of the charitable events that go along with it, I think Daryl would be the first person to say he wouldn’t be around today.”

Bill McMahon

McMahon described his experience with bladder cancer in 2019.

“You know they say money that goes to research is wasted. It is not. I believed that at one time. But three years ago, I changed my mind.”

Money raised goes toward shaping health policies to prevent cancer, investing in ground-breaking cancer research and trials, and funding local programs for cancer support, like the Bay of Quinte Wheels of Hope. Belleville Toyota, Lehigh Cement Group, Rotary Club of Brighton and Stirling and the Brighton Legion were event sponsors. Full event photos can be found on the Bay of Quinte Relay for Life Facebook page.

Community members interested in making an online donation can visit relayforlife.ca/bayofquinte until Aug. 31, 2022.