The final tally for the 2019 Daffodil Dash was close to $45,000 raised toward cancer research.
Approximately 225 people registered to participate in the actual dash that sees walkers, runners and bicyclists tour through the streets of Smithers stopping to partake in various activities, such as disc golf, at stations along the route.
But Grant Harris, a member of the committee who emceed the event, said the number of people in attendance was significantly higher than the registered count.
“That doesn’t count the many, many people who went through the silent auction both onsite and online,” he said, noting that others just came for the survivor’s luncheon or to grab a quick lunch at the barbecue stand or just take advantage of the lovely day in the park.
“Friday afternoon and through the evening and then Saturday morning looking at our dusting of late spring snowfall gave me pause as to what the day was going to be like on Sunday, but Saturday warmed up quite nicely and [by Sunday] the route was excellent, the weather was perfect, it was warm and sunny. From the pictures I’ve seen from the route everybody was having a fantastic time and no mishaps.”
Harris said the event has gotten better each year since the event transitioned for the old Relay for Life to the Daffodil Dash in 2015.
SEE MORE: Images from the 2018 Daffodil Dash
“I think what it shows is the generosity of the Smithers community, both from the team members and the individuals that actually took part in the Daffodil Dash challenge, all the way through the very, very generous support of the business community, they always step up for a good cause.
“And the Canadian Cancer Society is a good cause, it’s both a local cause and a provincial and national cause … Everybody benefits, whether they live in Smithers or whether they live in St. Anthony, Newfoundland.
“I can’t say enough about the fact that so many families are there, moms, dads, grandparents, kids, dogs, I didn’t see any cats, but it was an amazing, amazing event this year.”
Kwan summarized it even more succinctly.
“What a fantastic community we live in,” she said.
editor@interior-news.com
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