The Canadian Cancer Society is holding the second annual Daffodil Dash in Kitimat on Sunday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School.
This is a 1km, 5 km, or 10km walk/run held to raise funds for cancer research and prevention, and to support those currently living with the disease.
The Daffodil Dash replaced Relay for Life in Kitimat last year in an attempt to engage more participants for the annual fundraising event.
These events would not be possible without the help of local volunteers. Taking the lead in this year’s event is local resident Marli Penner. Marli has been involved with the Canadian Cancer Society since 2015, supporting Relay for Life, the Daffodil Campaign, and now the Daffodil Dash.
An active member in the community, Marli has aligned with the Canadian Cancer Society as their mission statement and vision resonates with her on a personal level.
Unfortunately, Marli has lost multiple family members to battles with cancer, and also has a few survivors in her family. The Canadian Cancer Society’s vision to create a world where no Canadian fears cancer is a hope that she holds for the future as advances are made in research, treatment, and prevention efforts, all funded by these local events.
To date, the Kitimat Daffodil Dash has raised just under $4,000, including a corporate donation from Rio Tinto, a long-term supporter of these events.
Marli would like to invite every resident of Kitimat to participate in the event. You can register online as an individual or form a team. If you are not able to participate, consider making a monetary donation - every little bit helps.
The organisers are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day of the event in areas such as set up and take down, the registration table, water stations, and an organize a master of ceremonies.
They are also looking for prize donations for the highest fundraising team and individual.
To ensure that these events continue to take place in the future it is critical that they have the support of the community by way of participant registration, volunteering and donating.
For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering please contact Marli directly at 250-639-7199 or by email at marlipenner@hotmail.com.