R Joyce introduced Karen White:
Karen has been a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society for almost 20 years. She has held a variety of positions on Relay For Life committees over the years. She is currently the volunteer director for this year's event as well as doing Corporate Engagement. When the Belleville office was in operation, she held the position of Volunteer President. She also coordinated the sale of Daffodil pins for the area. She also works with the Canadian Cancer Society as an advocacy volunteer. They work with all levels of government to ensure Canadians live in a healthy environment and have the cancer-related care they need.
Karen thanked the Rotary Club of Brighton for our support. This year the Bay of Quinte Relay for Life combines several previous events including Brighton. She remembers the Brighton events fondly due to the community spirit and from the heart.
During COVID they went virtual like so much of what we did. In 2022 they were live at Loyalist College. Their goal in 2022 was $30,000 and they raised almost $40,000. This year the walk will be at Trenton High School and their goal is $56,000.
Karen's team goal was $2,500 which she has already reached and exceeded. Particularly with help from Rotary, including Brighton, Stirling and Trenton clubs.
She ahared her love of a Harley, but because she kept falling off, she now has a spider (R Joyce suggested she now rides a tricycle). Karen hasn't fallen off yet.
Karen described the luminary sponsorship that Rotary sponsors and how this is the most emotional part of the event. No dry eyes. Last year they sold out and scrambled to create more to meet demand. Move and be moved. The luminaries start about 9:30pm and walking about 10pm.
Survivors are now referred to as participants of hope. There will be a special lounge for them. Rotarian John Brewster from Stirling club will be speaker.
This year event is June 10th from 2pm to 11pm. Longer than recommended by the Cancer Society but desired by participants.
It is all about HOPE. $2.5million raised for Research. There are about 215 research specialist in Ontario. All about prevention and treatment.
Karen lost her husband and brother to cancer.
They have almost $6,000 raised from Corporate donors to-date, and 11 teams registered so far.
Wheels of Hope, they now have a van to help people get to treatment. They also support people with wigs and other devises.
She is thankful for a wonderful committee that she works with.