Relay For Life celebrates 10 years

Craig Bakay | May 24, 2017

For its 10th year, the Central Frontenac Relay For Life committee (Vicki Babcock, Christine Teal, Penny Cota, Margo McCullough and Liz Norton along with GREC students Sadie Clarke and Samantha Sproule) opted for an indoor venue at St. James Major in Sharbot Lake. Previous incarnations had been held at the Parham Fairgrounds.

“We really didn’t have the numbers to hold it outdoors this year,” said Babcock. “So we decided to hold it indoors — a 10th birthday party.”

So, with a sponsorship from W. A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. they hired some musical performers and did just that.

Of course there was the traditional Survivors Lap, sponsors and a silent auction, as well as a number of speakers for the opening ceremonies.

“We’re a small community, Kingston is our suburbs,” said Mayor Frances Smith. “But the enthusiasm to get the job done here is amazing.

“We’ve raised a lot of money, helped many people we know and many we don’t know.”

The Central Frontenac Relay For Life has raised about $250,000 in its 10 years, said Babcock.

“Volunteer spirit is the lifeblood of this community,” said Coun. Brent Cameron. “So much is done because people take the initiative and step forward.

“You really do make this a place we can all be proud of.”

Brad Warner, representing the Canadian Cancer Society praised the work of GREC students this year and said Relay For Life has raised about $11 million in Ontario this year.

“Where does the money go?” he asked. “Well, $125 million has gone into the Clinical Trials Group in Kingston.

“For many people, clinical trials is a last resort and it’s some thing people from this area can use.

“It’s also one of the most recognized groups in North America.”

But perhaps the most poignant words came from young Kylie Babcock, who will be an eight-year survivor in September. Kylie was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer just before she turned two years old.

“They helped me,” she said. “Relay For Life helped me get to my appointments and they’ve helped a lot of people.”