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Queen’s students recently held the university’s 19th-annual Relay For Life and set new campus and Canadian records for the popular fundraising event. More than 750 students and community members took part, bringing in more than $225,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. These totals far surpassed the goals the executive team had set for itself this year.

In fact, this year’s Queen’s event is the first Relay For Life at a postsecondary institution in Canada to raise more than $200,000, making it the largest donation total ever for a Relay For Life at a Canadian university, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“We thought we were being ambitious with our goals, but we were amazed by how much enthusiasm there was among Queen’s students to support those impacted by cancer,” says Julia Saltzman, co-chair of Queen’s Relay for Life and fourth-year student. “It’s this overwhelming passion from students that has led Queen’s Relay for Life to keep growing every year since it started. Almost everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, and it’s inspiring to see how many of our peers are willing to dedicate their time to such an important cause.”

Leading up to Relay for Life, the student participants worked to drive donations by reaching out to their personal networks and securing sponsorships. They also hosted a series of events throughout the year, such as a spin class and a music night in Clark Hall Pub, that not only raised funds but also built a strong sense of community. And they engaged in collaborations with campus and community partners, like the Kingston Frontenacs and Oil Thigh Designs, expanding their impact and rallying support for the cause.

On the day of the event, the students set up in the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) on campus for 12 hours, from seven in the evening until seven the next morning. The participants took part in a variety of activities throughout the night to help create bonds with each other and reflect on the toll cancer has taken on so many lives.

“By staying up all night, it helps us all think about the fact that people affected by cancer never get to rest and reminds us that we shouldn’t rest in our efforts towards this cause,” says Megan Chow, co-chair of Queen’s Relay For Life and fourth-year student. “A special thank you goes out to the 28 survivors, including a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, who joined us in support and shared their stories. Their strength and resilience are at the heart of why we relay and remind us of the importance of our work.”

More than 750 students and community members took part in the 2025 Queen's Relay For Life. (Supplied photo)

“This was such a meaningful event for everyone involved,” says Ella Chau, co-chair of Queen’s Relay For Life and third-year student. “There were so many different activities for people to bond over, everything from yoga to basketball to visits with therapy dogs. The energy and support of our participants truly made this event unforgettable.”

An executive committee of 28 students dedicated hours of their time throughout the academic year to prepare for the event. Their efforts were supported by more than 100 general members, who helped prepare for the event and ensure everything ran smoothly.

"Queen’s students showed such dedication to the Canadian Cancer Society's mission to make a change in the face of cancer through this year’s Relay For Life event,” says Helen Kiroplis, Canadian Cancer Society. “Their efforts will fund groundbreaking research, compassionate support programs, and advocacy efforts being a strong voice for Canadians impacted by cancer. We are incredibly thankful for their support and leadership within the Relay For Life program. It is a pleasure to see this event at Queen’s grow each year and make such an important impact."

The Canadian Cancer Society provides funding to a wide-range of causes, including the , an academic cooperative oncology group at Queen’s that designs and conducts clinical trials testing cancer therapy, supportive care, and prevention interventions across Canada. The group is based in the Sinclair Research Institute at Queen’s, and many Queen’s faculty members are involved with CCTG as investigators and scientific leaders.

The Queen’s Relay for Life isn’t the only student fundraiser at the university that’s making a big difference against cancer. Queen’s students also organize The Tricolour Classic, an annual charity basketball game that raised more than $250,000 in 2024, and the Cure Cancer Classic, a series of hockey games that has raised more than $2 million over its 20-year history.

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