Volley For Cancer - A Brief History
The Volley for Cancer volleyball tournament
was started in 1994 as a tribute to the much loved Goldie
Van Allen. Goldie had succumbed to cancer and Carl &
Ruby Van Allen, in an effort to thank the local cancer
support groups for all of their help and support, started
Volley for Cancer.
Carl (Goldie's son), and his wife Ruby were left feeling
helpless as Goldie Van Allen as well as family and friends
lost their fight with cancer. They were however
strengthened by the support the received from local cancer
advocacy groups. For eight years Carl and Ruby spearheaded
the organization of VFC despite being told they were a few
bricks short of a load. It is very evident that the nay
sayers were wrong. The tournament has always been about fun
and was organized as a way to raise funds for cancer
research as well as for patient care. Two things that are a
major concern to the millions of people who have been
touched in some way by cancer.
Carl and Ruby have since handed over the reins to
volunteers but still remain an invaluable part of the
history and splendor that is the annual Volley for Cancer
tournament.
The first tournament was held in a field on the Van Allen's
farm in Williamsburg, and with the help of many volunteers
was considered a success. For eight years the tournament
continued to grow until the decision was made to move. In
2003 Volley For Cancer was moved to the waterfront in
Morrisburg. There was now nearly unlimited space for
players, spectators, entertainment and parking. In the
tournament's history they have seen over 10,000 volunteers
and countless numbers of players with donations reaching
over $400,000!!!!