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Cancer Society aims to boost Relay for Life Continued from page 1 3 · Friday, July 13, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Money raised during these events goes toward cancer care and research, locally and nationally. Halton Relay for Life Co-ordinator Maggie Irving said the Halton Unit is at a loss to explain why donations are so far off this year. "We are down across the board. In terms of sponsorship, we had a really hard time because some of our main sponsors couldn't contribute or return this year. We didn't reach our team goals, which translates into the revenue goal. We were about 20-40 teams off our goal for each of the three areas. So that definitely hit us," said Irving. And it's likely not all can be blamed on this season's wet weather. "We can't pinpoint a reason. I would love it if we could. Our advertising was great, we still have a great reputation." Irving said some of the events were plagued by bad weather, which is a problem as participants camp outside overnight with team members taking turns running or walking around a nearby track. The event is not a race. This year, however, the Oakville event at Appleby College was completely drenched in rain so participants had to move inside the school's arena. "That affects us because teams won't show. Obviously they don't want to just sit inside an arena and we understand that," said Irving. "We do lose a lot of event day revenue. A lot of people wait until the event day to buy luminaries and we sell over 1,500 luminaries at the event, which are $5 a piece, so right there that is going to affect out fundraising." Irving said Burlington's event also experienced some rain after midnight causing some people to head home, however, the Milton event had no bad weather and still came up $132,000 short. The current economic climate, competition with the fundraising for the new Oakville hospital and donor fatigue were also listed by Irving as possible reasons for the shortfall. "For Burlington and Oakville, we are in our 11th year. For Milton it's our eighth year," said Irving. "That's why I really want to seek the opinion of those in the community about how we can keep this fresh? What will encourage you to put a team out? If you've exhausted all your fundrais- ing networks it's going to be tough to come back each year." Irving also pointed out that over the last decade there has been a large increase in the number of charities raising money to fight cancer. She said the Canadian Cancer Society remains a top choice in the fight against cancer for donors and supporters because the organization has a great impact, accomplishes much with donor dollars, is committed to strong financial management and accountability, engages communities in cancer awareness, and inform people facing and fighting cancer. Despite the shortfall, Irving said the Halton Unit's commitment, role and impact in the community will not waiver. She said the Canadian Cancer Society's transportation program will continue with volunteer drivers taking clients to and from their cancer-related appointments. She also said leading-edge cancer research would continue and the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service would still assist callers from across the country with everything from providing the most up-to-date information from clinical trails to directing them to the Society's Peer Support Program. The Halton Unit will be holding focus groups in each community in the near future to determine what can be done to get Relay For Life back on track. Members of the community can provide suggestions on how to make Relay For Life more popular and successful by calling Irving at 905-845-5231 ext. 3164 or e-mailing her at mirving@ontario.cancer.ca. There is still an opportunity to donate to the Halton Relay For Life at www.relayforlife. 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