- North Shore Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at North Vancouver's Mahon Park. Info: www.cancer.ca/relay or 604-985-8585.

Erin McPhee

emcphee@nsnews.com

For the last six years, a dedicated group of Cypress Mountain employees have participated in the Canadian Cancer Society North Shore Relay for Life and this year is no different.

For 12 hours, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, the 20-member team will walk the track at North Vancouver's Mahon Park in honour of individuals affected by cancer.

"It's a great opportunity to bring some of the staff closer together off the mountain in an event that's . . . worthwhile," says Maureen Collins, controller for Cypress Mountain, as well as the mountain's Relay for Life team captain.

After realizing just how many staff members have been impacted by cancer, either directly or in their family and friend networks, staff made the relay a priority.

"Personally I lost both my parents to cancer," says Collins, adding that when they were looking for a cause to support, the relay seemed like a great fit.

North Vancouver is one of 53 communities hosting a relay in the society's B.C. and Yukon region. For the ninth annual event, organizers hope to raise $320,000, which will support research efforts, cancer prevention, advocacy and awareness, as well as support programs for people with the disease and their families and caregivers.

Last year, the Cypress team raised more than $17,000 and received the top corporate fundraising award. The mountain's overall total over the years is more than $70,000. To support their fundraising efforts this year, Cypress is donating all of the proceeds from its recycling over the past year and is raffling off two gold passes for the 2010/2011 winter season. Also, some of their suppliers and contractors have opted to get on board as corporate sponsors.

Event day, while emotional, always proves to be enjoyable.

"There's a great atmosphere out there for 12 hours with the whole community participating in the fight against cancer, both raising funds and raising awareness," says Collins.

The Cypress team encourages other community members, businesses and organizations to consider taking part. "I just think it's a great way to participate together and just a fun day working towards a common cause," says Collins. "I don't think there's many of us out there that can say that cancer has not touched our lives."

For more information on Cypress Mountain's team, visit www.cypressmountain.com.