Frequently asked questions

What difference will our school's fundraising make?

In addition to supporting life-saving research on all cancers the Canadian Cancer Society supports people affected by cancer and their families.

• Every $15 you raise, helps to ensure that support is just one phone call away.
• Every $50 you raise, provides a day’s worth of meals for someone staying at one of our lodges during treatment.
• Every $100 you raise, helps fund innovative immunotherapy research by testing ground-breaking new therapies for people living with cancer.

What happens at Relay For Life Youth events?

Relay For Life is a global movement to end cancer. Across Canada, Relay For Life Youth events unite students in this movement to make a difference by fundraising in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Teams of students take turns walking around a track or designated path. On and off the track, there is always something to do at Relay For Life. Those taking a break from walking can check out the entertainment and activities that the Relay committee has planned for your event. All Relay For Life events include four main components:

1. Opening ceremony: kicks off the event with a survivor speaker sharing their story
2. Survivor lap: all participants and guests who have faced cancer in their lifetime will kick off the Relay For Life event by walking the opening lap.
3. Luminary ceremony: we come together to celebrate, support, and remember the lives of those who live and have lived in the face of cancer through the lighting of the luminaries.
4. Closing ceremony: conclusion of event and unveiling of fundraising total.

Why should schools host a Relay For Life event? What makes the event unique?

Relay For Life events bring school communities closer together and empower students to be leaders in taking action against 100+ types of cancer. There are no other school events like it!

Our events are student-led and provide students with leadership skills. Given that cancer is so common, almost everyone knows someone who has been affected. Relay events create stronger school communities because students' can bond over a common cause.

Who organizes Relay For Life Youth events?

While educators, and school staff all help with Relay For Life Youth events at high schools, colleges and universities, students take the lead in planning and executing these events. Relay For Life Youth events are amazing leadership and volunteer opportunities for students.

Does the Canadian Cancer Society provide support for a school's Relay For Life Youth event?

Yes! The Canadian Cancer Society supports schools every step of the way. We provide training on event planning, an expense budget and supply materials for the event, so that schools can focus on the fundraising and community building that comes with hosting a Relay event.

How long are Relay For Life Youth events at schools?

The length of a Relay For Life Youth event varies depending on a school's preference.

Do participants at Relay For Life Youth events have to raise a minimum amount to participant in the event?

Everyone who participates in Relay For Life sets a fundraising goal. Fundraising enables change and progress. Today, about 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis up from 25% in the 1940s. For some cancers, like thyroid and testicular, the survival rate is over 90%. We are also close to turning some cancers into manageable diseases, making cancer something you live with, not die from. This progress was made possible because people supported our fundraising efforts.

Where does the money raised through Relay For Life events go?

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve the lives of all those affected by cancer. The funds raised through Relay For Life Youth will help the Canadian Cancer Society to:

• fund life-saving cancer research
• lead change in the most pressing areas of healthy public policy
• provide compassionate support to all those who need it

I am interested in learning more. What do I do next?

Please contact us at relayyouth@cancer.ca to learn more.

Why should I participate?

Relay For Life is a global movement to end cancer. Across Canada, Relay For Life Youth events unite students in this movement to make a difference by fundraising in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

By participating in or donating to Relay For Life , you are helping to fund life-saving cancer research advocacy efforts to help shape a healthier society, and our compassionate nationwide support system for people affected by cancer.

How many teammates should my team have?

There isn't a minimum number of people needed for a Relay For Life team, but we recommend teams of 6-10.

Is there a sign-up fee?

Yes, there is a sign-up fee. Be sure to speak to your Relay For Life Committee to confirm the exact amount. Please keep in mind that your sign-up fee helps to cover the cost of running the event, so that all the money you raise and/or donate can be used to support the cancer cause.

Do I have to fundraise in addition to paying the sign-up fee?

Yes, you do. Everyone who participates in Relay For Life sets a fundraising goal. All the money that you raise will be used to help fund, advocacy efforts to help shape a healthier society, provide our compassionate, nationwide support system for people affected by cancer.

Fundraising Minimum?

Talk to your Relay For Life committee to get some helpful tips and tricks to reach your fundraising goal! They are there to help.

Also, once you sign-up online for your school’s event, you will be set up with your own Fundraising Centre that has helpful tools to customize and share your personal fundraising page to meet and exceed your goal.

Do I get a Relay T-shirt for signing up and fundraising?

Yes, your sign-up fee includes a Relay For Life t-shirt. We recommend wearing it on event day. You can even decorate your t-shirt to reflect your team, school or who you are Relaying for.

What do I do with the cash and cheque donations I have collected?

Great job fundraising! The cash and cheque donations you’ve collected should be brought to your school prior to event day, along with your donation form if you got one at sign up. Please check with your school’s Relay For Life committee for specific days that cash and cheques may be handed in.

What happens if I lose my donation form?

Donation forms are very important as they contain the donations you have collected along with your donors' contact information which we need to issue them tax receipts for their donations. If you lose your form, tell your Relay For Life committee immediately.

What if it rains or snows during the event?

Remember to check your local weather forecast on the day of your event and bring weather appropriate clothing so you still have fun. Your Relay committee will notify participants if special arrangements are being made to the event.

I have signed up as a Survivor guest, am I allowed to stay for the entire event?

Survivor guests may leave after the Survivor lap as Relay For Life Youth events are closed to the public. Only students, educators and school staff stay for the duration of the event.

If you are a student and meant to sign-up as a participant, please contact your Relay For Life committee to adjust your registration.

I have a question or concern about an event at a school in my community/ Who should I contact to address my questions or concerns?

The school administration will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

I have a question about the Canadian Cancer Society and/or its work? Who should I contact?

Please contact our Donor Services team at connect@cancer.ca or 1 888 939-3333.