By Nick Dube

Relay for Life

Relay for Life revival

Aug 8, 2025 | 5:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Three UNBC students have made it their mission to bring back the 24 hour relay for life event. The event was a 24 hour marathon that was a significant fundraising event for the Canadian cancer society until the Pandemic struck. Organizer Victoria Bleecker has had multiple members of her family struck by cancer and recently lost a grandfather this past october. Bleecker says the cause is near and dear to the community and the group is determined to revive the relay in 2026.

“Everyone is touched by this terrible disease. I want the community to gather around that and to grow together and see this event happen again. We’re really hoping that the community can gather behind us and give us the support we need to have this happen. We have had talks with the city about obviously having it here at Masich place and although we aren’t confirmed at this point, we are very optimistic. It’s a possibility for us and we’ll be able to run it here, because although we had at the CN center in the past, I think there’s something special about Masich Place there’s a sense of community here.” says Bleecker.

Others like organizer Zoe Younghusband have also faced losses in the battle against cancer. Younghusband lost a grandmother and grandfather to the disease and honors their memory with her work on the relay revival. Though she hasnt participated in the run, once she heard about the past events Younghusband knew she had to be involved.

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” I moved up here about five years ago post relay for life

Prince George and, I just I found such a sense of community in Prince George and all the events I’ve been to, there’s always just, like, very warm, community centered, organized events. And I’ve heard many things from the relay, about the relay from Victoria and other members of the community and the how the community misses, this particular event. When Victoria asked me to participate in a sister in, leading this event, I couldn’t say no.” says Younghusband.