Halifax Metro Universities Relay for Life – In Search of Members!
Written by Kaylee Boyle, Addysen Green, and Caitie MacPhail
Photos by Chris Holland
Cancer is a devastating and life-changing disease. Unfortunately, nearly half of all Canadians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, and many of those who have not experienced cancer will know someone who has. The Canadian Cancer Society has raised millions of dollars to help those who experience cancer through various branches including research, financial assistance, and mental health support. The Canadian Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser, Relay for Life, is hosted across the country and raised $23 million last year alone.
Each Relay for Life is a festival-like fundraising event in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Participants form teams and fundraise throughout the months leading up to the event, and on the event day, team members take turns walking around a track during the 6- or 12-hour event. There are many different ways to fundraise, but in the past, teams have done cookie dough sales, bake sales or have gone door to door. Many participants will also add a donation link to their personal social media accounts. Many people have heard of or participated in a community or grade school Relay for Life event, but did you know Relay for Life events are held at the university level too?! The Halifax Metro Universities Relay for Life is an event planned with an entirely student-based ratified society with students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, and Mount St. Vincent. With a variety of activities, games, food, and music, there is something for everyone at a Relay for Life fundraiser! While each event looks a little different, the Survivor’s Lap and Luminary Ceremony are event staples that honour and celebrate those who have faced cancer. During the Survivor’s Lap, cancer survivors and people living with cancer walk the first lap around the track to kick off the event. The Luminary Ceremony offers a moment of reflection to remember those we have lost to cancer and honour those who have lived through or are currently living through cancer.
The Halifax Metro Universities Relay for Life is an annual 6-hour event held in March and organized collaboratively by students at Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, and Mount Saint Vincent Universities. Our first event occurred in 2019, where we raised $23,108.63. In 2020, we were unable to hold a physical event due to COVID-19 but were still able to raise $19,755.80. All of the funds raised were used specifically to assist the Canadian Cancer Society in Atlantic Canada. Funds were divided and contributed to offsetting transportation costs for patients as well as supporting the cancer research labs at the IWK Health Centre. We were also able to support ‘The Lodge that Gives,’ which provides cancer patients with a place to stay while receiving treatment in Halifax and provides nutritious meals and programming for residents.
In past years, a majority of involvement and planning has come from students at Dalhousie University, and most executive positions within Relay for Life are held by Dalhousie students. This year, however, we are hoping to get more involvement from students at Saint Mary’s! We know that there are people at Saint Mary’s that are passionate about helping others and being a part of the fight against cancer and we are hoping that this year we will get to reach out to some of you!
Currently, we are searching to fill our society and planning committee with Saint Mary’s students. We have many positions available to fill:
Planning Committee Member – Planning committee members commit between 5-10 volunteer hours a week throughout the year to plan Relay for Life alongside students from Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University. Later in the Fall, members will apply to work in certain teams, including fundraising, marketing, recruitment, sponsorship, logistics, finance, and more! Event planning will look different based on your role, but can involve things such as reaching out to businesses for donations, reaching out to performers, being responsible for social media and promotion, or encouraging registered participants to fundraise! Applications are required for these positions so contact us through email or social media to express interest.
Recruitment Rep – Recruitment reps will be responsible for encouraging students in their courses and societies to sign up for Relay for Life and fundraise. This position asks for 1 hour or less a week.
Day-of Volunteer – Day-of volunteers are participants that raise funds throughout the semester but will help with setting up and tearing down the event, as well as helping with some activities during the event. Day-of volunteers are only asked to show up on the day of the event. Any fundraising hours are completely up to them.
Team Captains and Participants – Team captains and participants register for Relay for Life, encourage their friends to join their team, and raise funds throughout the year in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. These participants are only asked to show up for the 6-hour event to have fun! Any independent fundraising hours are up to them.
Not only does volunteering for the Halifax Metro Universities Relay for Life under one of these positions look great on your resume, but you will also have the opportunity to develop skills in fundraising and collaboration. Planning committee members will also gain important experience and skills in event planning and leadership. Volunteering and being a part of societies such as ours is a great way to be engaged, have fun, and be social with other students in the Halifax area, but also to contribute to an important and meaningful cause.
Relay for Life is an excellent opportunity to work with a dedicated group of people to make a difference in many people’s lives. Want to get involved or need more information? Email us at metrounirelay@gmail.com, or connect with us on social media (Facebook – Halifax Metro Universities Relay for Life, Instagram - @metrounirelay)!