Manoir Kirkland takes on Cancer Relay for Life

Those marching in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life marathon this coming Friday at the George Springate Sports Centre who need a short break and a little bit of hospitality will be able to rest up at a wellness tent thanks to the dedicated efforts of a group of senior residents of the Manoir Kirkland.

When the seniors at the Manoir first heard about the opportunity about the relay, "they were willing to help out, see what they could do. Some of them are (cancer) survivors,

it's really just in keeping with their past involvement and giving back in to the community," explained Manoir community relations consultant Ricky Trottenberg.

The Relay for Life is an annual 12-hour overnight event, where teams of participants that have been amassing funds to fight cancer with the Canadian Cancer Society will be walking or jogging overnight. According to Trottenberg, the wellness tent will provide "an area where participants and visitors will be welcome to partake in some therapeutic activity or just enjoy a relaxing and comforting atmosphere."

Though it is the first time a group from the Manoir will be participating, Trottenberg said residents there have been involved with a number of community initiatives over the years.

"There are four or five survivors doing the relay," Trottenberg added, from among the residents themselves.

Leading up to the event, seniors also helped in the sale of "luminaries," special candles that will each be lit up in a ceremony at twilight on behalf of a loved one touched by cancer.

"There's a beautiful ceremony where they light candles around the track and we were helpful at selling some at Manoir Kirkland," Trottenberg said.

The Relay for Life starts off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19 at the George Springate Sprots Centre, located at 13 800 Pierrefonds Boulevard.