With $540,000 raised, Relay for Life has passed last year's Prince George total and is on pace to remain a leader in Canada for most money from one city headed for cancer research.
Also Canada's only 24-hour relay, it has topped the nation's relays for the last two years, with $520,000 last year and a record-high of $600,000 in 2014.
"This number, I believe, is reflective of the passion, dedication and determination that surround Relay For Life in Prince George. What a remarkable achievement to celebrate as we head into our 25th anniversary," said Aimee Cassie, Relay For Life coordinator, in a release.
Prince George has until the end of August to donate, something residents have been using to their advantage; about $35,000 has come in since the May 7-8 event at Masich Place Stadium.
Jas Sandhu took to the track in memory of his father, Nirmal Sandhu.
"I think it's extremely important for us as a community to participate in events like this and work towards a cure," said Sandhu in the release. "We owe it to those impacted by cancer and we owe it to future generations, so that they won't have to hear the words 'you have cancer.'"
About two in five Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime, and about one in four will die from the disease, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Survival rates for all cancers have increased from 28 per cent to 63 per cent over the past 65 years, it said.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada. It has seen a substantial drop in its death rate, especially among men, in the past 25 years. Some cancers, including thyroid cancer, have very high five-year relative survival ratios at 98 per cent.
To donate online, visit to www.relayforlife.ca/princegeorge or in person, at the local Canadian Cancer Society office, 1100 Alward Street.
