One young mother could get her head razed in Stettler this weekend as part of the fourth annual Relay for Life.
Friday’s run and walk will help to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, and Kora Zimmer is taking her commitment one step further.
If she raises a few more thousand dollars, Zimmer plans to have her head shaved Friday night.
“All we have to raise is $3,000 more,” said Zimmer, who grew up in Stettler and now resides in Bashaw and will participate in the Relay for Life with Team Breast Friends.
“We have already raised $12,000 and our goal is $15,000.”
This year, 27 teams with 219 participants have registered for Stettler’s Relay for Life at William E. Hay Composite High School from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.
“Our numbers may be down, but we are on target for fundraising,” said Andrea DeYoung, who chairs the organizing committee.
Organizers have targeted $160,000 this year, after $163,000 was raised last year in what she called “turbulent economic times.”
A survivors’ reception is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., after the survivors’ lap shortly after the opening ceremonies.
In memory of a loved one, people can buy luminaries that will be set up throughout the day and evening and glow in a special ceremony at about 9:30 p.m.
Zimmer is eager to lose her hair to raise funds to support the fight against cancer.
“I have two little girls ages three and six years old, and I want to do whatever I can to help them and their futures,” said Zimmer, 30.
“I’ve had nine types of cancers within my family and lost four of them to cancer.”
Together for six years, Team Breast Friends have also been touched by cancer themselves, or with their families.
“We’ve had so much cancer go through our team members,” Zimmer said.
Her special campaign started back in April with the Boob Tour comedy show in Stettler.
“It was a great start to fundraising, so we thought we would continue,” Zimmer said.
Other people are also planning to shave their heads, with their own fundraising efforts.
To support Zimmer, phone her at 403-372-4133 or email kkzimmer@xplornet.com.
Relay for Life organizers also invite volunteers to serve in a variety of roles, such as setting up structures and chairs, setting out luminaries, providing safety and security and serving as parking attendants.
To volunteer, phone DeYoung at 403-741-6795 or email stettlerrelayforlife@gmail.com.