Peter Goudal streamlined his form for the Relay For Life this weekend. The local school administrator is a cancer survivor and was, until Thursday, a bushy figure. He let students at John McInnis Education Centre shave his entire head down to a polished shine to raise funds for the cancer cause.
"Staff and students each paid a dollar for the 'Buck A Cut' event," he said. "I came out unscathed as I provided students with scissors, trimmers, and razors. My eyebrows alone were auctioned off for a total of $100."
His comprehensive hair removal generated more than $275 all told.
The exercise was also to raise awareness and forward thinking about cancer. Twenty-five years ago Goudal was diagnosed with skin cancer, which, he explained, can easily jump to other organs. Now he has exposed a lot of his skin to the sun, to show his students and the public the importance of minimizing your exposure.
"Use your sun screen when outdoors, wear hats and clothing to protect your skin, and be conscious of the dangers of tanning beds," he said.
Goudal and thousands of others will be at Masich Place Stadium this weekend for the annual 24-hour trip around the track. Last year, participants raised more than $430,000 in Prince George.
The Relay for Life runs today until Sunday morning without pause. The public is encouraged to come to the track at any time to visit the festivities and share in the movement to curb cancer.
24-Hour Relay for Life - Prince George style
What is this event?
19th annual round-the-clock event for cancer causes. The only 24-hour cancer relay in Canada, up until this year.
When does it happen?
10 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday
Where?
Masich Place Stadium
If I'm not on a team can I still take part?
Yes. No appointment necessary. Drop in and go for a walk, jog, or just hang out.
"It is an amazing community event, and if you come and see it happen for yourself, you can appreciate that even more for the future, so come down and join us," said co-ordinator Erin Reynolds.
If I haven't donated to a specific team, can I still make a financial contribution?
- Yes. Drop in to the Relay Headquarters tent at the stadium, or go online at the Canadian Cancer Society's website (direct link: www.relaybc.ca/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=439307) where you can chose to make a general pledge or direct it to a particular team or participant.
Is there more than just walking going on?
Oh yeah. Live entertainment all day, music all night, infield activities throughout, piles of community fellowship, and some highlight events:
- 10 a.m. today, opening ceremonies
- 5:30 p.m. today, barbecue
- midnight, remembrance ceremony (highly recommended)
- 6:30 a.m. Sunday, breakfast
- 10 a.m. Sunday, closing celebrations
