Canadian Cancer Society needs 1,000 volunteers for Relay For Life

VANCOUVER, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - More than 1,000 volunteers across BC and Yukon are needed to help plan the Canadian Cancer Society's 2013 Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is a 12- to 24-hour fundraising event that takes place in more than 50 communities in BC and Yukon. Teams of 10 to 15 people relay to help the Society fund vital cancer research, support Canadians living with cancer and advocate for public policies to improve the health of Canadians.

"Volunteers are at the heart and soul of Relay For Life," says Christy Sampson, Director, Community Giving, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon. "Without the dedicated team of volunteers in each community, the Canadian Cancer Society would not be able to provide the Relay experience that celebrates those living with cancer, those we've lost to cancer and those who are fighting to eradicate cancer."

The Society currently needs volunteers to assist on organizing committees across BC and Yukon in key leadership roles such as event chairs, team recruitment and event operations. In addition to the 1,000 volunteers needed immediately, the Society will also require another 2,000 volunteers to manage the event days.

The time commitment to volunteer with Relay is six to 10 hours per month, depending on the volunteer's role, from now until June 2013. The Society is looking for passionate and committed individuals who are engaged with their community.

In 2012, approximately 2,500 volunteers helped make Relay events across BC and Yukon a success. These volunteers helped plan the events and assisted day-of.

"The Canadian Cancer Society is always in need of people who are willing to share their time, energy and skills for the cancer cause," says Sampson. "We are incredibly grateful for the work they do and efforts they invest into helping the Society achieve its mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer."

To sign up to be a volunteer, email [email protected].

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. Last year, the Society funded more than $46 million in leading-edge research projects across the country. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (BC and Yukon Division)

Contact:

Sheila Dong
Manager, Media Relations
T: 604.675.7365
C: 604.802.2321
E: [email protected]