Tag: CEC

TRURO, N.S. — True leadership is about giving of yourself, and Kevin Hayden’s Grade 12 Leadership Class at CEC is learning that by hosting a Relay for Life event on June 16.

“Relay For Life not only helps students learn valuable life and leadership skills, but it also unites your school community under one common goal of making a real difference for real people who have been affected by cancer,” Hayden said. 

Money raised through Relay for Life events goes toward the Canadian Cancer Society. As of June 5, participants in CEC’s Relay had raised almost $6,300 – nearly 32 per cent of their $20,000 goal. And with almost two weeks still to go, students Hadley Bent and Abagail Hovey, who are leading their class in organizing the event, are confident they’ll get there. 

“We took this on as, kind of, our end of the year project,” Bent said. “Last year, we were able to do an online one – a virtual Relay – but this year we’re happy to be back in person.

“It’s a good chance for us to get together and support all those around us.” 

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Hovey said it feels good to take on a significant role in this important project.

“It’s nice to take on a bigger part in my school community,” she said, as both students talked about cancer affecting so many – either directly or through a loved one.

“We know in our school there are some teachers who are survivors, and, in our community, we know there are many people facing cancer right now, so we’re just here to support them and help raise money … that is what we’re all about,” Bent said, before talking how she has been impacted.

“No direct family fortunately but, on my street, I have had some close friends who have lost their lives and some who are suffering right now.”

Hovey had a similar answer.

“I haven’t been personally, directly affected, but I know good family friends… close friends of my parents, who have been,” she said.

Bent talked about sharing a video where cancer survivors were highlighted, during their launch event for Relay.

“To get the message across to students in our school that everyone is affected in one way or another, and they’re not alone,” she said.

Event activities

The CEC Relay will be held on the athletic field just outside of the school, from 2 to 8 p.m. on the 16th.

“There will be a lot of different activities,” Hovey said. “We’ll have different food trucks on-hand, live entertainment, some local bands. There are students who are band members; if they can play an instrument and sing (they would be welcomed to entertain), and I’m pretty sure there will be some people acting as well.”

Bent said the event is also a chance to bring more awareness about the Canadian Cancer Society and the work they do, as well as what a person who has battled cancer and maybe still battling, goes through.

“You’re learning about what others have gone through,” she said. “It’s a good learning experience all the way around.”

She added they plan to have Relay staples – a survivors’ lap and a luminary ceremony – as part of their event.  

Global movement

Relay for Life is active in 29 countries and 6,000 communities worldwide. The Pictou County Relay for Life, which includes participation from Colchester folks, takes place this Saturday (June 11) at North Nova Education Centre.

For more on any of the events, including how to donate to a team or individual, visit support.cancer.ca, and click on the appropriate link.