Carmacks might be commonly referred to as the "Wheelbarrow Capital of the Yukon," after it hosts a second annual cancer fund-raiser in August

The Carmacks Wheel Barrel Association is in the process of planning its Annual Relay for Cancer, scheduled for Aug. 23.

This year's fund-raiser will benefit greatly thanks to some Yukon sponsorship, including Air North, which recently donated a return flight ticket to either Edmonton, Calgary or Vancouver.

All pledge collectors will be entered into a draw for the air line ticket and have a chance to win it, regardless of how much money he or she raises.

A lot of the other donations will be put towards an auction, which is something the wheelbarrel association is really pushing that this year. The auction will be opened to anyone, regardless of whether they participate in the relay.

In 2008, the group held the relay for the first time, attracting seven teams. However, this year is set to be even bigger and with 20 teams already registered from both Whitehorse and Carmacks.

Teams are made up of three people (two adults and a youth, aged five to 12). The adults push the wheelbarrow, while the youth must remain inside the whole time.

A special gift bag will be made up for children participating in the relay.

The relay takes place in Carmacks, with a start time from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Carmacks' Recreation Centre.

In 2008, the association brought in more than $5,200 and hopes to at least equal that total this year.

"I think it's going to be better," said John Laughlin, president of the Carmacks' Wheelbarrel Association. "I think the big difference this year is last year it was our first time and I think people thought it was a joke. Now they know we're serious."

The fund-raiser will run in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Carmacks and a local ball tournament.

A prize will be given out for the team that raises the most money, but Laughlin said it was important to make the round-trip ticket available to all participants.

Pledge forms can be picked up at the Canadian Cancer Society in Whitehorse.