Vernon (BC), Canada – Silver Star Mountain Resort continues its battle against cancer as the ski and snowboard resort in the British Columbia interior raised more than C$10,000 for this year’s edition of Relay For Life.nThe Canadian Cancer Society’s fundraiser took place at Polson Park in Vernon starting Saturday evening with more than 400 participants, including a record number 50 teams. Overall, Vernon raised more than an estimated C$100,000 for cancer research; it’s biggest one-year total ever.

“The Relay For Life is a very humbling experience and something our team takes great pride in being part of,” said Silver Star general manager Michael Sherwood. “Cancer touches so many lives and it’s an event close to our hearts.”

This year’s fundraising efforts brings Silver Star’s three year fundraising total to more than C$40,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. The resort also won the top corporate fundraising prize.

“None of our efforts happens without the generous donations from the community. We reached out to the people of Vernon and they responded overwhelmingly. We owe them a big thank you,” noted Sherwood.

On top of its contributions, Silver Star is a platinum sponsor of Relay For Life, providing C$5,000 worth of prizing and support. The resort also called many of its food and beverage suppliers, like Pepsi and Sysco for donations so it could host a BBQ and concession, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going back to the event.

The Survivour’s Victory Lap around the Polson Park oval highlights the emotional 12-hour event as well as the lighting of 346 luminaries in remembrance for those who have lost loved ones to cancer.

Sarah Pruckl, revenue development assistant for the Canadian Cancer Society in Vernon, said she was overwhelmed by the commitment from the community.

“We owe a very special thank you to the tireless work by our planning committee,” said Pruckl. “They donated a tremendous amount of time and energy to make this event a success. Congratulations to everyone who participated, it was truly a community team effort and we are looking forward to next year.”

Pruckl also noted that this is the first time Vernon raised more money than Kelowna, a city three times its size.

“That sums up the generosity of the people of Vernon,” she said.