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Quesnel Relay for Life luminaries on sale

On Friday, April 29, Relay For Life volunteers will be at local banks with displays and information on Luminary Bags. Luminaries are the special candle bags that bear the name of loved ones and line the Relay track at the end of the day to remember those lost, encourage people still battling and celebrate survivors. The cost of the bag is $5; the meaning behind the bag is priceless.

“Luminaries are very personal,” Cathy Briggs, Community Fundraising coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society said.

“They represent love and emotion and support and fear and memories both good and sad.”

When Relay first started 10 years ago, the names on the bags were written in beautiful calligraphy, all by the same person.  Over the years, people have been encouraged to write their own bags and decorate them in a way that is specific to the name that is being honored.

“People are welcome to take their bags home and bring them to Relay,” Briggs said.

“Or we can do the writing as well, if that is what people prefer.”

As dusk approaches on Relay Day, the bags are set out around the track and the tea lights are lit.

As darkness comes, the lights from the bags burn bright and the names glow for all to read.

Quiet settles over LeBourdais Park as people make their way around the track for the final laps of the day. This candlelight tribute to honor the names on the bags is one of the key Relay moments.

Luminaries are available online at  www.relaybc.ca/quesnel, at the CCS Resource Centre, 332 Front Street and on April 29 at CIBC, BMO, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, and Integris Credit Union or:

•May 6, 7, 20 – BC Liquor Store

•May 7, 14, 21 – Farmers’ Market

•May 28 – LeBourdais Park.

Relay For Life is the biggest cancer event that makes the biggest difference.  Until you take part, you won’t feel the passion, the inspiration and the hope that participants share at Relay For Life. Relay begins with a celebration of courageous cancer survivors and caregivers taking the inaugural Victory Lap that sends a message that there is always hope. There is time during Relay when participants take a moment to remember cherished loved ones in a moving luminary ceremony. Cancer Prevention has the most potential to save lives.  Fight back by making a personal commitment to improve your heath, the health of your family and your community. For information on how to register as a participant,  survivor, caregiver or make a donation, call Cathy Briggs 250-747-2510 or visit the Canadian Cancer Society Resource Center, 332 Front Street, 250-

992-6551.

Registration deadline is May 6.

Cathy Briggs is the fundraising co-ordinator for Quesnel’s Canadian Cancer Society branch.