Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the new year? You don’t have to look far.
The seventh annual Relay for Life of Brandon/Ortonville is planned for June 14-15 and Mary Woods, chairperson, needs volunteers to help make the event a success.
‘Reach out and express an interest and we will set up a time to talk at the library or whereever and we will give gudiance,? said Woods. ‘It takes months (of planning) for 24 hours, it’s a lot of time and effort. It seems to grow as you get closer to Relay.?
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event to fight back against the disease. Participants register on teams and take turns walking the Varsity Drive track over the course of 24 hours. Some team members spend the night in tents set up in the field. The party atmosphere includes music, games, speakers, and themed laps, including a survivor lap and luminaria lap at night. The community is invited to attend, even if not on a team. Events in past years have raised thousands of dollars. Last year alone, almost $60,000 was raised and that is once again the goal.
Woods began planning for the 2014 event this past October. She is currently seeking volunteers to find, form, and help mentor teams, recruiting from churches, schools, business and social groups. Volunteers are needed to help obtain sponsorships and secure entertainment for the Relay. Musicians and other performers willing to donate their time and talents are also sought for the one-day event.
A Relay for Life kick-off meeting will be in February and Woods said she welcomes whatever amount of time a volunteer can give.
‘I try to limit it to two or three hours of volunteer time per month during the winter and you can do less,? she said. ‘I’ll take people who can help only the day of the event, too. The reward is that you are helping to find a cure for a horrible disease.?
For more information, contact Mary Woods at 248-464-9066 or e-mail brandonortonvillerelay@gmail.com