JASON SETNYK
Students, staff, volunteers, and community supporters came together at CCVS for the school’s inaugural Relay For Life event, raising $7,814.80 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The youth-led fundraiser was organized by members of the school’s Interact Club alongside teacher advisors and support from the Rotary Club of Cornwall. Throughout the day, participants walked laps, shared stories, honoured cancer survivors, and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
In her opening remarks, teacher advisor Kelly-Ann Lamer thanked participants, volunteers, donors, staff, survivors, caregivers, and sponsors for helping make the event possible. “Events like this truly do not happen without countless hours of planning, fundraising, organizing, and heart,” Lamer said while recognizing the student leadership team and committee volunteers.
Student co-chairs Aariz Tahir and Amrutha Sree Ammu Chandramouli spoke about the purpose behind Relay For Life and the impact of the funds raised. “Relay for Life is about hope,” Aariz said. “It is about remembering those we have lost, celebrating survivors, supporting caregivers, and fighting for a future where fewer families have to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.'”
Amrutha noted that nearly one in two Canadians is affected by cancer in some way and emphasized that every donation matters. “Whether you donated five dollars or five hundred, whether you are walking every lap or cheering from the sidelines, you are helping save lives and support families,” she said.
The event also featured a deeply personal survivor speech from Lamer, who shared her experience battling ovarian cancer at age 19 while attending university. She described undergoing major surgery, six rounds of chemotherapy, and severe complications that nearly claimed her life.
“The Canadian Cancer Society helped me get a wig so I would not freeze during those cold winter months and so I could feel a little bit like me again,” Lamer told the crowd. “They connected me with other young people who had gone through the same cancer so I would not feel alone.”
She also credited the organization’s support programs, including Wheels of Hope and treatment advocacy, for helping her through recovery. “Today, I am standing here cancer free,” she said. “And I can honestly say that I would not be standing here without the Canadian Cancer Society. And that is why Relay matters.”
The event also included a luminary display honouring those lost to cancer and recognizing survivors and those still fighting the disease. Among the standout student fundraisers was Noah Filipe, the event’s Finance Captain and a member of the CCVS Interact Club, who individually raised $1,047 for the cause.
In closing remarks, organizers thanked local businesses and community partners who contributed donations, supplies, food, prizes, and logistical support for the event. “Well done Team!” Lamer said while announcing the final fundraising total. “It truly takes a village and you showed what happens when a village comes together for a great cause.”
L’article “Well done, team!” CCVS Relay for Life raises over $7,800 for Cancer Society est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
