Relay For Life Returns Strong

Relay for Life was once one of the city’s most prominent fundraising events. The Prince George relay earned national recognition as the Canadian Cancer Society’s top-ranked fundraiser in Canada for four consecutive years, ending in 2017. However, like many community events, the relay faced challenges in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic and has not been held since 2023.

A group of 115 volunteers, supported by an executive organizing committee made up primarily of University of Northern British Columbia students, worked throughout the past year to revive the event and reintroduce many of the traditions that made Relay for Life a community fixture.

Among those leading the effort was Zoe Younghusband, director of community engagement and site lead for the event.

For Younghusband, helping organize Relay for Life was about more than volunteering. The cause is one that has had a direct impact on her family.

“I was asked to be part of the Relay for Life committee, and I’ve personally been touched by cancer and love the community of Prince George, so it was kind of a hard offer to pass up,” Younghusband said. “Two of my grandparents, actually, lost their fight to cancer so it definitely touches close to home.”

That personal connection helped motivate Younghusband and other volunteers through months of planning and fundraising efforts.

The community response quickly exceeded expectations.

Organizers initially set a fundraising goal of $50,000. Before participants even arrived at Masich Stadium, donations had already surpassed that target, with more than $70,000 raised.

As fundraising continued throughout the weekend, organizers set their sights on doubling the original goal. By the end of the event, they had accomplished exactly that, reaching a total of $100,360.

Younghusband credited the achievement to the support of residents, businesses, sponsors and participants who embraced the event’s return.

“We’ve had great feedback from the community. All of our lovely sponsors who helped put this event on and made it possible, and also all the teams who have registered and fundraise money for the Canadian Cancer Society,” she said. “We seriously cannot ask for a better community to run this event in.”

The relay officially began with one of its most meaningful traditions: the Participants of Hope lap.

Cancer survivors led the opening circuit around the track, symbolizing resilience and hope. Caregivers and supporters joined them on the following lap before the remaining teams took to the track and began walking together.

The opening ceremony served as a reminder that Relay for Life is about more than fundraising. It is also an opportunity to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and support those currently undergoing treatment.

Throughout the day, participants shared stories, honoured family members and reflected on the impact cancer has had on their lives.

Among those taking part was Bruce Williams, who said supporting Relay for Life has become a personal commitment because of the experiences within his own family.

“Well, cancer touches everybody around us. And personally, it’s touched me,” Williams said. “Grandparents, lost grandparents to cancer. My father-in-law is a cancer survivor. Two times now. So every time that this event has been on, we’re definitely huge supporters of it. Volunteering, walking. And we just want to raise as much awareness and money for cancer.”

Williams said Relay for Life provides an opportunity to not only support cancer research but also recognize the people who continue to battle the disease every day.

“Basically, I’m here walking for everybody that cancer has touched, but definitely for my father-in-law, who’s a cancer survivor two times now and still constantly getting checkups and everything,” he said. “So we’re here to walk for him.”

For Williams, seeing the event return after several years away was especially meaningful.

“It’s just so important for the community and everybody that’s been touched by cancer,” he said. “This has been such a big event in the past, and it’s so good to see it being revived now. We’re here to support.”

Organizers also worked to bring back many of the features longtime participants associate with Relay for Life.

One of the most visible displays was the Banner of Hope, which featured the names of loved ones affected by cancer. Attendees were able to write names and messages, creating a powerful visual reminder of the many people connected to the cause.

Another returning feature was Memory Lane, where participants posted photographs and shared memories of family members and friends affected by cancer. The display invited attendees to contribute personal reflections on sticky notes, allowing stories of hope, loss and survival to be shared throughout the day.

In addition to the relay itself, roughly a dozen vendors set up booths at the stadium. Food trucks were stationed in the parking lot, providing meals and refreshments for participants and visitors.

A popular returning attraction was the hair-cutting booth operated by Loxx Hair Academy. Participants had the option of donating their hair to help support cancer patients or making a financial contribution to the cause.

The combination of fundraising, remembrance activities, community participation and entertainment helped create an atmosphere that balanced celebration and reflection.

Younghusband said organizers hope participants leave with positive memories while recognizing the effort that went into rebuilding the event.

“I hope that they take away at least a little bit of fun and also acknowledge all the hard work that the committee and the volunteers have put in to make this event possible,” she said. “And you have good feedback for us next year to help put this back on in the city of Prince George.” said Younghusband.

Given the community response, organizers appear to have built a strong foundation for future events.

The relay’s return not only restored a beloved community tradition but also demonstrated Prince George’s ongoing commitment to supporting cancer research, patient services and families affected by the disease.

With more than $100,000 raised, hundreds of participants taking part and countless stories shared throughout the day, Relay for Life’s return was marked by both emotional significance and fundraising success.

For survivors, caregivers and families, the event offered a chance to come together in support of a cause that affects nearly everyone in some way. And for organizers, volunteers and sponsors, it reflected what can happen when a community rallies behind a shared goal.

After three years away, Relay for Life is back in Prince George—and its return was stronger than ever.

by Nick Dube

Relay For Life Returns Strong

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