What is Relay For Life? - Relay For Life

About Relay For Life

What is Relay For Life


Relay For Life is more than a single step in the right direction. It's the starting line to ignite a movement that begins within the walls of schools across the country. A movement that inspires the next generation of student leaders eager to take action to create change. At Relay, we walk so those living with cancer and those remembering the ones they've lost never have to walk alone. We fundraise so those working tirelessly to improve cancer outcomes can continue to make the future bright.

Unite your school


The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is an event like no other. At Relay For Life, students can step up, build school spirit and make a real impact — while learning valuable lessons about teamwork and giving back. Relay is your school's chance to join our global movement.

Learn how Relay brings school communities closer together and empowers students to be leaders.

Visit our FAQ

We are supported by Desjardins Financial Group


Desjardins Financial Group makes its mark through considerable involvement in the communities it serves through philanthropic partnerships, sponsorships, scholarships and support to major projects. A significant priority for Desjardins is supporting important youth initiatives, specifically education, employment and entrepreneurship, health and healthy lifestyles, and community involvement. Through the years, with the ‘Together for our Youth’ program, there have been over 3,000 initiatives supported. One million young people have been helped by Desjardins, with the primary goal of supporting their plans and ambitions, promoting their development and potential, and improving their lives and their community.

Join the Relay movement


Not only will you be making an impact on people affected by cancer, Relay For Life is an unforgettable experience! Create a legacy at your school with a life-changing event that is customized for YOUR students. Provide entertainment, games, great food and enjoy time with friends all while walking laps in teams. It’s a party with a purpose!

We're here to help you honour those who live and have lived in the face of cancer — and make sure your Relay For Life event is an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Together, we’re changing the future of cancer in Canada. Join our movement to make a difference and show that together we’re unstoppable!

Sign up your school

Make a difference


Relay unites students to raise money for game-changing research into all cancers. Your fundraising efforts help scientists make important progress, so people diagnosed with cancer can live longer than ever before.

When you Relay, you help make it possible for the Canadian Cancer Society to provide a national support system for people with cancer and their families. Together, we’re helping people manage life with cancer with services including accommodation at our cancer lodges, transportation to treatment and so much more.

With nearly half of Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, your contribution has never been more important. See how your support has helped people with cancer live their lives as fully as possible.

Your impact

Presenting sponsor

Desjardins