Anyone who has ever participated in the Canadian Cancer Society's 24-hour Relay for Life fundraiser knows it can get a little crowded on the track at Masich Place Stadium.
Nobody minds having to dodge people, especially when everyone there is committed to raising money to fund cancer research and pay tribute to those who have succumbed to the disease. But this year's relay, May 11-12 will have an added twist. Nobody is going to want to dodge their chance to drive home in a new Dodge.
Northland Chrysler Jeep Dodge and the Northland Auto Group will be giving away a 2013 Dodge Dart car to one lucky participant in the relay. As an incentive to raise more money and make the Prince George event the top Relay for Life fundraiser in Canada, Northland will provide one ticket for the draw barrel for every $500 raised. The people who raises the most money will have the best chances of winning the car.
"The Northland Group of companies is proud to be a huge supporter of the Relay For Life and the fight against cancer," said owner Brent Marshall. "I am hoping the donation of this award-winning new car will help us raise a record-setting amount of money locally and place Prince George on the map as the number one Relay For Life fundraising city in Canada."
Last year's relay raised $490,000 in Prince George, second in Canada only to Coquitlam, which raised $550,000. The value of the car, with a suggested retail price of $15,995, makes it the largest single incentive ever offered in the event's 21-year history.
"It's so exciting," said Helen Owen, team lead for the Relay For Life. "Brent Marshall and Northland have donated this vehicle to encourage people to raise more than they have in previous years. It also helps us in our quest to be the number one relay in Canada. It has been circulated throughout the entire country that Prince George is not only challenging Coquitlam for the number one relay spot, but challenging all [501] relay communities in Canada."
Sixteen hundred people and 142 teams took part in the 2012 relay in Prince George.
The cost to enter this year is $10 per person until March 1. After that date, the entry fee will be $20. All entrants registered before March 1 will be entered in a draw to win one of three iPads.
Go to relaybc.ca for more information.
n The Canadian Cancer Society B.C. and Yukon division has moved its Prince George office on Victoria Street to the new location at the Kordyban Cancer Lodge at 1100 Alward St. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new lodge is tentatively set for March 1.
