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All of us know someone, or more than one someone, who has been touched by cancer. Those of us in Lynn Valley are no exception, which is why many of our neighbours are stepping up to take a leading role in the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest national fundraiser, the Relay for Life.

The event takes place on Saturday June 7,  at Mahon Park, where for 12 hours, all manner  of people will be joining together to remember those lost to cancer, those who have survived it, and those whose journey still lies ahead.

While the continuous relay event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., activities are planned all day long, starting with an 8:15 a.m. Survivors’ Breakfast prepared with the help of the two North Vancouver mayors.  Peter Twist of Twist Conditioning is the guest speaker, and  will also be leading warm-up exercises before the race start.

Many other Lynn Valley people are involved in the day’s entertainment, festivities and fundraising. Zazou Salon employees will be offering haircuts by donation, with all proceeds going to the cause, and performing ceremonial head shaves as part of the festivities.  Bruce Peters, owner of Zazou, says “Zazou is proud to be participating in the North Shore annual Relay for Life….We love how the North Shore community gathers and supports events of such a great cause. We have all been affected by cancer in one way or another, either a loved one, friend or someone we know or heard of. We must band together – rally the troops and make concerted efforts to lend support to each other….it is a nasty little bugger.”

Other Lynn Valley contributions include entertainment from RNB Dance, student participation from Sutherland and from Argyle Secondary’s Cancer Awareness Club, silent auction items from Browns Social House, the Black Bear Pub, the new Butter Lane Bakery and Tea House, and other local businesses. North Vancouver Save-on-Foods are sponsoring food and beverages, and Subway and Booster Juice who are providing discounted lunch and smoothies for the cause.

The Relay for Life organizing team includes Lynn Valley’s Kathy Drake as event leader, and Maureen Turner as fundraising development chair. Several event volunteers are from the Lynn Valley area, as are a number of the fundraising relay teams.

“The community involvement from the Lynn Valley area is very impressive,” said Maureen. “It shows that Lynn Valley is a tight-knit community that steps up to the plate to really support the cause.”

The day include lots of fun activities for children and adults, entertainment, health and wellness information, a bouncy castle, dunk tank, and various ceremonies.

“People can still become involved by submitting a team, volunteering, and donating to the CCS – North Vancouver. And we welcome survivors, caregivers and their families to our complimentary breakfast,” says Maureen.

Anyone who wishes to help at the event or wishes to participate in the Survivors Breakfast must register at www.relayforlife.ca – North Vancouver.

With its trademark anchor in the front lawn, St. Clement’s Anglican Church at 3400 Institute Road is a well-recognized Lynn Valley institution. But church members know that not everyone in the neighbourhood feels quite so established in the community.

Alecia Greenfield is one of the driving forces behind the Bell & Anchor, a monthly games night at the church that’s designed especially for people who are still finding their footing in Lynn Valley. By coming out and meeting others, Alecia hopes that newcomers and friends get the behind-the-scenes info that will help them feel at home in their community.

Along with refreshments and games, the Bell & Anchor can serve up recommendations for dog walkers, child minders, best hiking trails or coffee hang-outs. Whatever the query, church members hope that they or other attendees will be able to serve up the “inside scoop.” People who aren’t quite as new to the neighbourhood, but still looking for a few more connections, are also more than welcome, says Greenfield.

The Bell & Anchor runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 23. The event will generally be held on the second Friday of the month, with the next one scheduled for June 13. Games will be indoors, or sometimes taken outside when good weather beckons – allowing people to enjoy St. Clement’s community garden, now in its second year and already looking wonderful.

For more information, call the church at (604) 988 – 4418 or check out their website here.