Participants ready to ‘Go the Distance’ at this year’s Relay for Life

Committee members Lori McGinnis, Relay Chair Sherry Grimmon, Len Munro and Shari Hardon, test out some of the fun props used for team photographs Saturday at the rally.

Whether they are cheering on survivors, walking the track, passing the baton to a teammate or joining in activities, this year’s Relay For Life event will be another touchstone for participants in Prince Edward County.

On Saturday, teams started signing up, got information and fundraising tips for the June 10 event at the Picton fairgrounds.

“We have many teams returning to this year’s Relay, and we have some new teams as well,” said Lori McGinnis, committee member, noting that sometimes it’s emotional to welcome some new teams who are honouring somebody who has ended their battle. But all teams are ‘Going the Distance’ this year to make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

Over the past six years, the Prince Edward County event has raised more than $1.1 million for the Canadian Cancer Society for research and local programs.

At Saturday’s rally, event emcee Rick Zimmerman welcomed team members and thanked businesses and community sponsors.

“I especially love this event because it brings business, community and friends together which is important because cancer touches so many of us,” he said, introducing Barb Guernsey who has been named the County’s “Community Champion” this year.

Guernsey has been participating in Relay for Life events since 2001. She has been Team Captain of the Black Crick Chicks & Friends since 2007.

“I started relaying because my grandmother died of cancer and although I couldn’t control the outcome, I am raising funds to help every Canadian to no longer fear the word ‘cancer’.”

Participants in Prince Edward County raised more than $104,000 at last year’s event. This year’s goal is set at $90,000.

Teams are still welcome to sign up for this year’s event. Kits and information are available at Scotiabank in Picton and McDougall’s in Wellington.

The seventh annual Relay for Life runs from 7p.m. Friday, June 10 to 7 a.m. on the 11th. As well as fundraising, the focus is to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and to fight back in the hope of finding a cure.

Gary Davidson takes a photograph of a few of the members of the Brenda’s Beauties team that participates in relay in honour of Brenda Tripp McQuaid, daughter of Gary and Terri Lee Davidson.

Marissa Burley, Rachel Hardon and Haley Ferguson provided fundraising hints, tips and tools at Saturday’s rally. Here they present Carolyn Harvey, of the County Camos Crew, with a lawn sign.