24 HOUR RELAY

The weather wasn't there, but is was beautiful, none the less. The Canadian Pacific PHLOC was well represented at the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay at Swangard Stadium Saturday June 18 - Sunday June 19. Although the PHLOC numbers varied throughout the day, the spirit of the group was not to be denied. This was the PHLOC'S first time at the Relay and much was learned that will make next year's event even better!

Over 123 teams participated in this annual event (20 years and counting) that raised over 1.3 million dollars to send handicapped children to camp. The course consisted of a 2.5 mile circuit around Burnaby's scenic Central Park. Since it is a 24 hour event, most groups camped out for the night. The Parrotheads were of course leading the charge. As experienced tailgaters, we set the tone early for phun and enthusiasm. As runners and walkers made their way out of the stadium and into the park, they were greeted with the sights and sounds of Jimmy Buffett.

Our site (Camp Tikki) was over 50 feet of a motorhome, tents and tarps that were fully adorned with Buffett paraphernalia, from perching parrots and volcano gods, to tikki bars and blow-up corona bottles. Many runners commented that our site gave them something to look forward to on each lap. When the race started at 10:00 a.m., so to did the music in the PHLOC camp. Jimmy's "Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays" was a popular request as was "License To Chill", and "Meet Me In Margaritaville". (A little Kenny Chesney and Tobey Keith made their way into the CD Player as well.)

After some awesome food, the evening swung into high gear and went until 4:00 am, only to wake up to join the closing ceremonies at 10:00 am. The sight of all the teams in full costume parading around the track was a sight to behold! The PACIFIC PHLOC ended up raising $1605 in pledges. We also raised $408.50 in our "Not So Silent Auction" which we will donate to an undecided charity. We can definitely improve our pledge totals next year and will hopefully continue to show all participants in the Relay that the Canadian Pacific PHLOC and its Parrotheads truly know the meaning of the phrase "PARTY WITH A PURPOSE". Thanks to all the runners, walkers, and PHLOC Members that made this event so much PHUN! Hope to see you all again next year!

Darcy Strachan

To see pictures of us at the 24 Hour Relay, please click here!

COME OUT ON JUNE 18TH & 19TH AND SUPPORT OUR 24 HOUR RELAY TEAM THE "PHLOCING PARROTHEADS" AS WE RUN, WALK STAGGER , CRAWL HAVE A TON OF PHUN AND RAISE MONEY AT THE EASTER SEALS 24 HOUR RELAY FOR THE KIDS. YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP US, HELP THE KIDS!

This is our first major fund raiser as a newly chartered Parrothead chapter. We need a minimum of 15 to 20 committed participants who will be at the relay to run, walk stagger stumble, amble, strut, stroll or crawl the 2 mile relay course. As a team also need at least two volunteers to help out with the relay. We will be sending a pledge form to all members to help raise money for the relay. Our goal is to raise a minimum or $5,000.00 for this years relay. (Last year the record for a first year team was over $15,000) If we can raise $5,000 and have it pledged on line our team will be entered in a draw for some pretty cool prizes. First prize is a trip for 24 (yup that’s right 24) to Las Vegas. (guess who plays Vegas every now and then). Second Prize is a trip for 24 (yup there’s that number again) to the Nitka Lodge at Whistler / Blackcomb with ski passes for all.

So here it is Parrotheads. Are you up for a weekend of partying with a purpose? Even if you can’t run or walk. We need everyone collecting pledges for the team. It’s going to be a great weekend so everyone should plan on coming out to Swangard and supporting the team, meeting fellow Parrotheads and getting involved with our first charity event. We will be camping in the park so of course we will have the Tiki Bar set up (complete with torches). Buffett music playing, Parrotheads swaying and a midnight limbo contest or other such foolishness as we can dream up.

This is a family event so please bring the Parrakeets. There is lots of things for them to do at the relay including face painting, balloons and arts & crafts and a kids zone. The weekend will also feature non-stop DJ music, live entertainment, food service, samples, sales, games and much, much more.

I’ll be sending pledge forms and info to all members. If you or someone you know wants to be a part of the team and this marvelous event please email me at rondofondu@pacificphloc.com and I’ll get you registered immediately. There will be more info presented at the upcoming AGM and soiree’ but don’t wait till then. Contact me now.

When & Where is the 24 Hour Relay?

June 18 & 19, 2005 at Swangard Stadium Burnaby, BC 10 am - 10 am

What is the 24 Hour Relay?

Where else but at the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay For The Kids can you stay up all night, run around in circles with your friends and still feel good the next day? Be a part of the Relay tradition and join us and thousands of other runners, walkers and volunteers as we lace up our runners for the 26th Annual 24 Hour Relay For The Kids, June 18-19, 2005, Swangard Stadium, Burnaby.

The Relay raises funds in support of the BC Lions Society's Easter Seals Camping program. In 2004 the 24 Hour Relay, raising $1.2 million, helped send over 900 children with disabilities to one of the three specialized camps; Shawnigan, Winfield and Squamish, for a six-day summer camping adventure. There is no expense to the families for their children to attend.

This event means more than just sending kids to camp. It's about giving children with disabilities a place to go where they're free from life's daily challenges. It's about providing them with opportunities to do things they're normally unable to do, like scaling the climbing wall, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and even sleeping under the stars.

In addition to running, the Relay offers participants much, much more in the way of entertainment. Team members can partake in the volleyball tournament, onsite games, peruse the back concourse area, have a relaxing massage at the Labatt massage tent or just sit back and have a 'cold one' in the beer garden.

For participants with children, the Prudential Real Estate Kids' Zone is the place to be. Volunteers from Prudential Real Estate organize this area and offer a wide range of activities including face painting, balloons and arts & crafts.

Open all night, the Express Café offers a wide range of food options and hot coffee drinks to help keep participants fueled throughout the event. The Relay also offers participants a Saturday night barbecue and Sunday morning pancake breakfast. Regardless of what you're doing or where you are the music and fun goes on and on.

What is the Easter Seal Camping program?

Easter Seal Camps give BC children with disabilities the chance to discover and strengthen their individual abilities. Camp sessions are carefully planned and designed to encourage these children to gain new skills, develop new friendships, gain confidence, and independence - attributes that will help them to succeed in life.

What does it cost to run the camps?

The total operating costs for the three camps for the year ending September 30th, 2004 was $1.77 million. The camps are completely funded by Easter Seals and are available to the kids at no cost to the families. The 24 Hour Relay is the major source of the camps funding.

These facilities are specially designed and equipped to accommodate children with special needs. The addition and maintenance of ramps and lifts, the modification of doorways, washrooms, sports equipment and the purchase of special waterproof wheelchairs are just a few of the expenses unique to these kinds of facilities.
The special needs of these children also require Easter Seal Camps to have a very low ratio of campers to counselors. This low ratio ensures that counselors have the time to fully understand the individual needs of their campers and the ability to provide the attention and assistance they require.

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