A major charity event will be held for the first time ever in St. Albert and organizers are promoting it by holding a drive to drum up support.
The Canadian Cancer Society's (CCS) Relay for Life is described as the organization's signature event and primary fundraiser. Individual relays will take place in dozens of communities across the province and hundreds across the country. It has taken place in Edmonton for nine years now. Last year's event raised about $450,000. This year our city's relay will take place on Saturday June 19 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Jake Bradley, regional relay co-ordinator, said the timing is significant.
"The reason why it's overnight is because cancer doesn't sleep, so neither do we."
The fundraising goal for this one event is $70,000 but Bradley needs to come up with around 100 helpers first.
The CCS is hosting an open house on Wednesday Feb. 10 starting at 5 p.m. at the St. Albert Curling Club. Meant to attract volunteers and participants alike, it is also being used as a gauge to determine community support.
"We are looking for volunteers to help with the organizing committee. Pretty much the whole event is planned and organized by volunteers."
He said that primarily he is looking for a co-chair or subcommittee members to take care of logistics, set up or plan the entertainment.
For more information contact the Edmonton area office of the CCS at 780-455-7181 or visit www.cancer.ca/alberta-nwt. The St. Albert event will be listed on the site in the coming weeks. Keep checking the Gazette in early February for ads promoting the open house.
Haircuts for Haiti
It isn't your typical venue for a haircut but the stage in St. Albert Centre is probably the best place for a free trim this weekend. All that's being asked in return is donations to the Haitian relief effort.
Centrix Hair and Spa is hosting the 'dry cut' event. Owner Sam Sleiman is predicting a good crowd, especially since the price is right. "Whatever the people want to donate, it's up to them. I'm expecting a lot of people to come."
The event takes place on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. on the indoor stage near The Bay entrance. All of the proceeds will go to relief efforts through the Red Cross. Call 780-458-6490 or visit www.centrixhairandspa.com for more information.
