LDSS students prepare for
major fundraiser

Signpost photo by Wendy Spence
Relay for Life committee members at the LDSS library.

    Last year’s Relay for Life fundraiser at LDSS for cancer research, prevention, information services and support programs was such a huge success, it will be hard to top, but that’s the goal for this year’s committee. It will take a lot of work to bring in more than the staggering grand total of $68,485 raised in 2011, but the students are up for the challenge, hoping to be able to donate more than $75,000.
    The committee is holding a silent auction at Scotiabank in Dorchester to raise money for the event. Residents can make their bids during business hours on a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey signed by Jeff Carter and a signed hockey stick that Boone Jenner played with at the world junior hockey tournament. The minimum bid on both items is $200 and the students are hoping to cash in to the tune of $2,000.
    This year the Relay for Life will be taking place at the school starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25 until 7 the following morning. The planning committee will keep a lot of things from the first successful event and add new and exciting elements as well. Five volunteers who were involved last year have signed up again and committee members were chosen from all grades so there will always be students with experience and enthusiasm moving forward.
    The students will be running video announcements at the school and putting up posters to promote the event. There will also be an emotion-packed relay rally after March break to get the student body pumped up.
    Last week at the Lamplighter Inn in London, the committee won a trophy for most spirit and enthusiasm for the relay. They were up against several schools from London.
    Members of the community can get involved right now by bidding on the auction items, volunteering their time, skills and services. Entertainers, sponsors, chaperones and people who know first aid are needed. Register or donate online at: relayforlife.ca/lorddorchester. Fees must be paid in person at the school.
For more information, email n.lindsay@tvdsb.on.ca.
    The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It is an opportunity to get together with family and friends and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back in the hope of finding a cure.
    Relay is a fun event that takes place continuously over a 12-hour period and includes a survivors’ lap and entertainment. Relay For Life involves teams of 10 people who participate in an overnight non-competitive relay. Participants will take turns walking, running or strolling around the track at LDSS. Teams consist of people representing students, corporations, communities, families and friends.