Kicking Off Flinton’s Relay for Life

This year the annual Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for Frontenac, Lennox and Addington counties will be moving north and will be hosted for the first time in Flinton. This year’s new Relay chair, Carolyn Hasler of Flinton, is encouraging members of local communities far and wide who are interested in volunteering or participating in the event to attend the annual Kick Off meeting that will take place Wednesday February 24 at 7pm at the Flinton Recreation Centre.

The meeting will provide a plethora of information and will include a video of past Relay for Life events from all across the country. Committee chairs will be present, explaining their roles, providing information and handing out information packages. Refreshments will be available.

For the last three years the Relay has been held at the Parham fairgrounds and each year the event has raised over $60,000 for cancer research and local community cancer funding.

Carolyn Hasler, who last November admitted to feeling "a bit overwhelmed", now sounds completely comfortable in her new role as Relay chair. “At first I was a bit unnerved because of all of the unknowns but now I feel much more at ease and that is because I have the support of all the directors at the Flinton Recreation Club and many other community members who have stood up to the plate to volunteer their time and energy.”

That being said, Hasler is still hoping to attract many more volunteers and participants to the relay. "This year’s Relay planning is now underway and we still require a number of volunteers for key roles like setting up and taking down the event," she said. Her other goals? “I want to have between 30 and 35 teams participating at this year’s event…I’ve talked to many people who are not familiar with the event and hope that the meeting will attract not just those who have been involved before but newcomers as well.”

Carolyn’s enthusiasm seems to be spreading in the north. Cheryl Hartwick of Flinton has volunteered to head up a new team called Wally’s Warriors in memory of her brother Wally Paddick of Arden, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 51 of cancer. Cheryl said, “I was thrilled to find out that the Relay would be held in Flinton this year and this will be my first time participating and I’m really excited about it.”

She is looking forward to meeting new people and has already put forth a challenge for other participating teams in the costume category.

Carolyn confirmed that so far between 16 and 18 teams have already registered and she is hoping to see many more register at the February 24 meeting.

Anyone interested in participating in or volunteering for this year’s Relay for Life is encouraged to contact Carolyn Hasler at 613-336-8659; bhasler@xplornet.com.

The Relay for Life is scheduled to take place at the Flinton Recreation Centre and ballpark, 72 Edward Street, on June 11 and 12.