08/04/2009
By WICC Ontario
This year, when WICC became involved in the Relay for Life and issued a challenge to the Canadian insurance industry, people responded overwhelmingly. More than 400 friends and industry members in 17 different locations across Canada signed up and together raised over $180,000 for WICC and the Canadian Cancer Society in this inaugural WICC event. During Relays across the country, teams of 10 people participated in a 12-hour overnight, non-competitive relay, taking turns walking, running or strolling around a track.
WICC’s “headquarter” Relay for Life event was held on June 19, 2009 at North York’s Esther Shiner Stadium where approximately 200 industry people participated and raised more than $140,000 in pledges and corporate sponsorships. WICC Board Director Tracy Laughlin of ING and fellow event Chairs Robert Landry of Zurich North America and Paul Martin of KRG, along with the WICC Ontario Board, had the opportunity to present the Canadian Cancer Society a cheque for $180,000 for all Relay for Life funds raised across Canada through WICC.
Under sunny afternoon skies, our industry joined together, celebrated survivors and paid tribute to the loved ones we have lost. Spirits and emotions were high and energy abounded.
Then the rains came. Beginning at 3 a.m., water soaked tents, sleeping bags and people, but they couldn’t truly dampen our spirits. We all came away, exhausted but exhilarated, dreary but hopeful that we had made an impact in the fight against cancer.
During the Relay for Life, many of us were struck by the number of people who have been touched by cancer in their lifetime. The park was full. The Survivors' lap was especially touching as we saw grandmothers and grandfathers being helped along by grandchildren, and most heartbreaking of all, young children being pushed around the track, too weak to make the walk themselves.
After the sun set, candles lit the way around the track, each luminary carrying a message for someone either lost to cancer or currently battling it. There were so many luminaries on that field.
It certainly brought home the meaning and the importance of WICC’s mission. We aren't just collecting money, attending galas and golf tournaments (though they certainly are a lot of fun). What we are doing is making a tangible, lasting difference in people's lives and in the fight against cancer.
The event itself was a unique and inspiring combination of sombre reflection and joyful celebration. The energy in the stadium – or “tent city” as we came to refer to it – ebbed and flowed throughout the night and while we kept the track busy for 12 hours straight, in between turns we kept our spirits alive in many creative ways. There were mini-parties in several tents, card games in others, a dance-a-thon on centre stage, and quiet conversations between old and new friends in the WICC tent all night long. Everyone took turns on the track. Everyone spent time in peaceful remembrance for loved ones passed. Everyone had fun – a surprising outcome for those new to the Relay. Everyone left feeling awash with a huge sense of accomplishment and unity. We all agreed it felt like an all-night party only the after-effects were far more spiritual and inspiring than we ever expected.
To all those who participated in this inaugural WICC event, thank you. Most of us may have been soaked to the bone, we may have felt several aches and pains the next day, but the memories we created, the friends we met, and most of all, the impact we made was certainly worth it.
From all accounts, the Relay was an energizing event and a rousing success. If you have not yet taken the opportunity to participate in a Relay for Life event, please sign up for 2010. You will not regret it!
To view some great memories from the 2009, please go to: http://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/gallery/WICC-Relay-for-life/
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