Relay For Life facts for kids
Relay For Life is a special event held all over the world to raise money for cancer research and to help people affected by cancer. It started in the United States with the American Cancer Society, which is a group of volunteers who help others. Now, this event happens in more than 20 countries!
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How Relay For Life Helps
The main goal of Relay For Life is to collect money. This money is used for two important things:
- Research: Scientists use the money to study cancer and find new ways to treat it or even cure it.
- Patient Support: The money also helps people who have cancer. This can include support groups, information, and other services they might need.
Relay For Life in Canada
In Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society organizes Relay For Life events. These events are like a big, fun relay race, but with a serious purpose.
Forming a Team
People form teams of about 10 friends, family members, or even co-workers. These teams then take part in the relay. The first Relay For Life in Canada happened in 1999 and raised CA$85,000. Since then, more and more people join every year! In 2011, the events raised an amazing $55 million.
How to Join and Donate
To join, a team needs to sign up online on the Canadian Cancer Society's website or use a paper form. Each person on the team tries to raise at least CA$100. They can do this by asking for donations or by selling special candles called luminaries.
The Luminaria Ceremony
Luminaries are paper bags with candles inside. People write the names of cancer survivors or loved ones who have passed away on these bags. After the sun sets, these luminaries are lit around the track. It's a very touching ceremony that honors those who have fought cancer and remembers those who are no longer with us. It's a powerful moment of hope and remembrance.
Images for kids
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Luminaries glowing at night
