The annual Daffodil Dash Challenge in Smithers is going completely virtual this year.
Typically, people ride bikes, push strollers, walk in groups or jog along two- or five-kilometre courses to raise money for cancer research.
The Relay for Life in Smithers began in 2002 and ran successfully until 2015 when organizers decided to change the event up a bit and the Daffodil Dash was started.
The pandemic in 2020 made the event shrink again and last year, several committee members were unwell and the event was cancelled completely.
The last event was held in 2022 and raised more than $45,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Money raised from the events went toward research, prevention, education and support for the cancer society, as well as lodges that house and feed cancer patients while they are receiving treatment in major centres.
This year, organizers have decided to try hosting the event online only due to the small size of the volunteer group.
There will be an online auction through Facebook running April 17-27. Anyone wishing to donate to the auction can contact organizers.
Some examples from past year’s community donations include: an item or service provided by your business; an item that you purchase from another local business including goods or experiences and gift certificates.
The committee is asking that donors take a photo of the donation and send it with a brief description and retail value to SmithersCCS@hotmail.com by the week of April 1-5 so that it can be posted online.
If possible, they also want people to keep their donations at their place of business until the auction closes so winning bidders pick up the item directly from the source. However, it is still possible for committee members to pick the item up and arrange for drop-off to winners.
READ MORE: 2022 Daffodil Dash cancer fundraiser wraps up in Smithers