Relay for Life seeking fundraising surge

If the Prince George Relay for Life wants to hold on to its first-place status it's going to require a fundraising boost.

Last year's relay generated $600,000, making it the country's top Relay for Life event, but so far overall donations are down 12 per cent compared to this time last year.

The 2015 relay, Canada's only 24-hour event, runs May 9-10 at Masich Place Stadium, beginning at 10 a.m.

"I want to acknowledge the amazing job P.G. did achieving No. 1 status last year and raising $600,000 - it was phenomenal," said Relay for Life team lead Helen Owen. "We have incredible support for our event and we need everyone to help us reach our goal for this year."

This goal for the 23rd annual relay is to raise $550,000, but only $97,500 has been collected so far.

Relay for Life is the Canadian Cancer Society's signature fundraiser, with money going to support society programming and services and research.

Registration for the relay, which has Allnorth as the title sponsor, is also down. Currently 134 teams have signed up - three per cent less than in 2014 - and 1,152 individual participants have registered - down nine per cent from last year.

The registration deadline is Friday. Participants can sign up online at relayforlife.ca/princegeorge, where they can also find fundraising tips.

Organizers are encouraging all registered participants to raise a minimum of $150 each. Last year, the per-participant average was $348.

Among the fundraising incentives being offered are entries into a draw for a WestJet return trip for two for every $500 a participant raises, and draw prizes for teams that have all of their members raise $150.

To be eligible for prizes, participants must turn in their money by May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (but are welcome to continue fundraising past that deadline).

With the slogan "No. 1 - That's how we roll. Betting it all on cure," Relay for Life is keeping with last year's Las Vegas theme. Participants are also encouraged to get into it by dressing up in Sin City-inspired costumes or giving their tents a Vegas vibe.

New to Relay for Life this year is an earlier start time for the Luminary Ceremony. Typically held at midnight, the ceremony of remembrance and support featuring a moment of silence and a candle-lit walk around the track will begin at 10 p.m. on May 9.

For updates about the Prince George Relay for Life, head to facebook.com/RelayforLifePG.