Relay For Life no more in Medicine Hat

The statement adds Medicine Hat has been supportive of the event for 15 years, but they have seen a decline in participation and money raised.

“While we recognize this community’s incredible efforts, after much consideration and consultations at the local and regional level with our Relay For Life committee volunteers, we’ve made the difficult decision to discontinue Relay For Life in Medicine Hat,” the statement reads.

The 2016 Relay for Life in Medicine Hat and Brooks raised just over $35,000, according to the organization’s Facebook page.

The event was originally scheduled to run on December 31, 2017, and was later rescheduled to March 17, 2018.

The Canadian Cancer Society has been working for the past several years on reducing operating costs to ensure more money donated does towards programs and research.

In 2016, the society closed the office in Medicine Hat, citing the economic downturn as a reason. The organization still operates in the city, with services being accessed online or over the phone.

The society also merged with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation last year in order to avoid a “duplication of fundraising efforts,” the statement reads.

The organization says it will continue running the CIBC Run for the Cure in Medicine Hat. This year’s event takes place on September 30.

We’ve reached out to the Canadian Cancer Society for a comment, and will update the story when more information is available.

by Charles Lefebvre

Relay For Life no more in Medicine Hat

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