The 2016 Lloydminster Relay for Life has had its cry for help answered.
On Monday, the volunteer situation for the event, which takes place on Friday evening, was looking dire. According to organizing committee member Kim Smith, there were only 20 to 25 volunteers confirmed to come and lend a hand during the relay, when the desired amount was closer to 50 to 60 people.
“We need people that can assist with parking, we need volunteers to assist with cleanup, with setup, luminaries, with just basic little things, here and there,” said Smith, reached on Monday.
“Even if they only put an hour in, we’re happy with that.”
The relay is aimed at raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society, which goes towards cancer research and aiding those suffering from the disease, with multiple relays taking place across the country on an annual basis. However, the Lloydminster event has had some changes made in the last two years, with a shakeup in its organizing committee in 2015 and a decline in attendance due to the difficult economic times.
“We are very small this year, but we still are going to push through,” said Smith.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is a new year for us, a new committee, new sponsors, and we’re looking to start new and build up.”
After the need for volunteers was spread to the community, Smith said on Thursday there have been 30 additional people confirmed as volunteers for Friday evening. While she also hoped for more survivors of cancer and teams to show up to the event as well, she was happy with the response from the Border City.
“I never doubted Lloyd,” said Smith.
“Lloyd has always been a community to come out and push through anything. We stay strong through everything, and I love that about Lloydminster.”
Smith said the only need for volunteers now was for people willing to do set-up in the morning and tear down at night, after the relay was finished. As for her hopes about success, she would be happy to simply the event run.
“It doesn’t matter how small or big the event is, it’s all about the cancer and raising the money, so it can’t go wrong,” said Smith.
The relay will start at 7:00 pm at Bud Miller Park on Friday evening, and run until 1 a.m. Those seeking to register can find more information on the event’s Facebook page.