The Relay for Life season for the Canadian Cancer Society Bluewater Unit is officially underway.

A kick-off media conference was held recently at the Bruce Power Visitor Centre.

Officials took the time to promote all six of the events in the Bruce/Grey area.

Saugeen Shores relay co-chair Nancy MacLeod says this year's event will be held July 8th at SDSS.

MacLeod says they're hoping for 52 teams to raise around 170 thousand dollars.

She says 15 teams have already signed up and raised 15 thousand dollars, which is ahead of last year at this time.

Colleague Rona Cobean says cancer hit her family hard when they lost their 15 year old daughter Caitlyn to brain cancer.

She says these events help reach that goal where one day no family will have to through what hers did.

The Relay for Life coordinator for the Bluewater Unit says since these events started in 2004 over two million dollars has been raised for research and support services.

Cape Croker starts off the relays on June 17th, followed by Saugeen Shores on July 8th.

Thornbury has theirs on July 15th, followed by Kincardine, August 12th, Hanover September 9th and finally Owen Souind on September 16th.

The format is the same where teams of 10 are invited to set up a tent at their event and take turns walking from 7 PM to 7 AM.

There will be lots of food, activities and entertainment as well.