Relay for Life organizers should be on a break since the event took place in May.
That's not the case for the local Cancer Society volunteers.
The only 24-hour relay in Canada has grown so much it now takes a year-round effort to put it all together.
More than 1,450 people and 47 teams took to the Masich Place track May 10 and 11, and currently the local branch of the society has raised $555,000. Fundraising will continue through September to reach their ultimate goal of $600,000 to confirm the status of No. 1 Relay for Life in Canada.
The volunteers in last year's team development have been able to create resources so how to pull an event together can be shared with others now as well as with future volunteers.
"These resources are something we've shared within our region and we have made presentations to the Canadian Cancer Society and will make a larger presentation to a larger peer group in the fall," said Jayne Stevens, who has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division for more than 10 years. During the months prior to the Relay for Life, Stevens can easily put in up to 20 hours a week and she has a full-time job at Northern Health as well.
"Jayne is a shining star in the Relay For Life world," said Margaret Jones-Bricker, regional director, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. "Jayne has contributed a tremendous amount of time and knowledge to ensuring the success of the Prince George Relay and continues to energize and inspire all of us with her dedication to the cancer cause."
Like most people who step up for the Canadian Cancer Society or Relay for Life, it's about family and friends who have battled and won their fight against cancer, and those lost to the disease that inspires Stevens' volunteerism.
"But another reason that brings me to the Canadian Cancer Society is I like the work they do," said Stevens. "I especially like that they support all cancers and the work they do is around all cancers, not one specific cancer. The people I know have suffered from all types of cancer so that's one of the things that draws me to them, instead of one of the other great organizations that might deal with a more specific cancer."
Stevens said she really likes it that there are so many resources and strong support for families and caregivers of those affected by cancer.
Stevens started as the treasurer of the society's Terrace branch and is now the chair for team development for the Relay for Life in Prince George. She focuses on the retention of participants and teams in the event and welcomes new teams of participants.
"Last year we developed a mentorship program for team development," said Stevens. "So we provide every team with a mentor to assist and support them throughout their planning and preparation for the relay event in any way they need it or want it."
That way the teams will be able to fundraise efficiently while having fun.
The team development group works closely with the fundraising group within the society.
"We don't have success without each other," said Stevens. "We believe nothing can happen without exceptional volunteers, the community support and the friends and family of every participant in the Relay for Life."
