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BY TIM JAQUES

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Restigouche - The annual Relays for Life in the region in support of the Canadian Cancer Society are next weekend in Campbellton and Dalhousie. The 12-hour Campbellton is at Sugarloaf Park while the Restigouche East relay will be held at Inch Arran Park.

Organizers for both events have spent the last 11 months preparing for this year's events and both committees are hoping for similar amounts to be raised as years past.

"This year we have 20 teams in Campbellton and we hope to reach $60,000, said Campbellton relay committee member Renee Boudreau. "We have a few different things going on this year such as activities for teams like a crazy hat contest, silent auction and a treasure hunt. These activities will run through the night from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m."

She said for the luminary ceremony, the empty table will be placed in near the pond around which the participants walk all night. As well the words HOPE and ESPOIR in luminaries will be placed around the pond. Last year they were on the main ski run. The relays will be held Saturday, June 14 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with a survivor supper at 5:30 p.m.

"We're back with the Smart Shop," said Boudreau. "Someone from the hospital will be on site to give information on cancer. Entertainment starts around 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. At 7 p.m. the first lap starts with survivors and then teams continue walking until the last lap around 6:45 a.m.. Breakfast is being served for team members around 5:30 a.m.

Sylvia Malley of the Dalhousie relay said her committee is ready once again and hopes to raise as much as last year.

"Teams have been working hard to raise money with the money raised by the teams going for cancer research and in support of the many programs offered by the Canadian Cancer Society so those living with cancer may

have a better quality of life," she said.

The first event is the "survivor reception" which is being held at the Archibald Room in the Recreaplex. All survivors are welcome and should call June 684-4984 or Malley at 684-3941 to register.

"Survivors open the Relay with the first lap. After the survivors' lap teams start their 12 hour walk for cancer. Everyone is welcome to walk. The luminary ceremony or lighting of the luminaries starts at 10 p.m."

Luminaries are fireproof bags which line the relay course. These luminaries will shine all night in honour of survivors, in support of those fighting cancer and in memory of those who have died.

"It is a beautiful ceremony and it affects us all because most of us have been touched by cancer," said Malley.

The Relay will come to an end with a sunrise ceremony around 5:30 a.m. followed by a community breakfast at 6 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Tickets for the breakfast must be purchased in advance. They will be available during the evening of the Relay.

In the first five years of the relay, more than $600,000 has been raised between the two relays. The first relay in the region was a combined effort in 2003 at Sugarloaf Park, but since then, Dalhousie and Campbellton have had their own relays.