CUETS Rallies in Relay for Life
Saturday, May 31st

Regina - Neglect. That's the only word to describe Regina lawns today, as more than 1,000 sleep-deprived fundraisers are likely foregoing the regular weekend ritual in favour of catching a few winks on the back porch. Like thousands of their counterparts across Canada, they were up throughout the night last night, walking and jogging in the Canadian Cancer Society's popular Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life, introduced to Regina just last year, has become a fixture of the summer schedule, staking out its turf on the local fundraising circuit just like the hundred or so Relay teams do on Wascana Park lawns with their tents and decorations each year.

Last year, 170 cancer survivors, 83 10-person teams and hundreds of volunteers raised more than $145,000 to aid the fight against cancer. Dozens of local companies also contributed time, effort and money to the cause, led by major local sponsor Access Communications and CUETS, the company with the most number of participants in the event.

This year, local participation rates were even higher, resulting in very optimistic expectations for fundraising totals this year. More than 120 teams were proudly participating last night, encouraged throughout the night by the presence of 300 cancer survivors.

In one of the more poignant moments early in the evening, the cancer survivors completed a determined, proud and sometimes tearful victory lap to the enthusiastic applause of approximately 2000 volunteers, participants and well-wishers. Later, the lighting of the luminaries provided a moment to reflect on those who have survived cancer and remember friends and family members lost to the disease.

Again this year, CUETS was among the most notable corporate supporters of the Regina event, with a record 70 participants entered in the relay. Another 26 employees in Winnipeg also showed their support, contributing to a very successful event there. In total, the CUETS teams raised more than $12,000 for the event, with generous donations coming from friends, family and colleagues.

Danielle Roy, one of the CUETS team captains, acknowledged her co-workers for their financial and moral support. "Successful fundraising doesn't happen without the efforts of the entire company. Aside from direct donations, we had a number of different events, including a steak night, penny parade and 50/50 ticket sales. For weeks, we never stopped asking and they always came through."

Strolling amongst the tents and teams Friday night, the presence and support of Saskatchewan's vibrant financial cooperative sector was unmistakable. In addition to the highly-visible CUETS contingent, teams from Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan, Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corp, the Cooperators, and Page Credit Union all contributed to the cause.

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