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Relay For Life Going Virtual

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The fight against cancer never ends and that’s why the Canadian Cancer Society has no plans to cancel its annual Relay For Life fundraiser.

However, because of COVID-19 the June 13th event will be a virtual one.

Regional Manager Maria Cabral is encouraging local residents to go online and register and donate for ‘Relay At Home’.

“Share their story about why they are relaying, why this is still important to them, maybe it’s a family member. And then hopefully they are moved that day or before that day to then share again online with family and friends.”

Cabral says they are going to incorporate the same things that we know and love about the traditional relay.

She says they will still celebrate survivors, hold a luminary ceremony and provide entertainment.

Cabral stresses the fundraiser is important to “show cancer survivors, cancer patients, that they aren’t alone, that this whole country is behind them. Because sadly cancer doesn’t stop just because their is a pandemic.”

Cabral notes their regional Cancer Information online and telephone service saw a dramatic increase of 39% of people reaching out for help during the first eight weeks of COVID-19.

The online Relay is set for June 13th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm central time.

To register or donate visit https://support.cancer.ca/site/SPageServer/?pagename=RFL_NW_homepage&s_locale=en_CA

To hear more from Maria Cabral, visit the Audio link below.

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Government Asked To Restrict E-Cigarettes

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The provincial government is being asked to increase the taxes on e-cigarettes.

The request comes from Stephen Piazza with the Canadian Cancer Society.

“We believe the tobacco industry should bare the cost of helping people quit their harmful products. Ontario can implement a cost recovery fee that tobacco companies can pay based on their market share to recuperate the costs of the Smoke Free Ontario strategy.”

Piazza says that program comes with a $44-million price tag.

He stresses an additional tax on vaping products will discourage youth from taking up the habit in the first place.

Piazza notes B.C. already has a tax, while Alberta and Prince Edward Island set to follow suit in the coming months.

Piazza is also calling on the government to restrict the number of flavours in e-cigarettes.

He says there are over 7,000 of these products.

Piazza states these flavours appeal to youth, resulting in increased health hazards for our younger generation.