The Build-Back
Like every community movement, Relay For Life felt the weight of the pandemic. These partner countries tell the story of the climb back — and it's working.
What you’re looking at
What it is
A snapshot from Global Relay For Life’s June 2026 year-over-year partner data review — a look at how the movement is recovering and growing around the world since the pandemic.
Why these nine
These partners stood out in that review for their recovery and growth in recent years. They’re illustrative success stories chosen to show what’s working — not a ranking, and not the full roster. Many more countries Relay worldwide.
The source
Figures are partner-reported and compiled in the Global Relay For Life year-over-year analysis. 2020 is used as the pandemic-era low baseline, and a few partners report only participation or only fundraising.
The purpose
To celebrate the build-back and share what drives growth — so partners and Relayers everywhere can see the momentum and put these lessons to work in their own communities.
Every figure here is measured from the pandemic low — not pre-2020 peaks. The point isn’t where we were. It’s that, partner by partner, people are coming back to Relay, and the fuel is following them.
Explore the recovery, country by country
Pick a partner to see its journey from 2020 to 2025 — people and dollars, side by side.
Participation & fundraising · 2020–2025
Three ways to win
Not every partner grows the same way. Some scale people and money; some are climbing fast from a small base; some prove a single, well-loved event can carry a country.
Fundraising recovery — 2025 vs. the 2020 low
How many times over each partner has rebuilt its fundraising since the pandemic low. (Japan and Malaysia report people-first and appear in the explorer above.)
Why this matters for Global Heroes of Hope
Behind every line that climbs is a survivor who showed up, a caregiver who walked, a Hero who told their story. The partners growing fastest are the ones bringing the most people through the door — and that is exactly where Heroes of Hope turn participation into purpose.
Learn more about Global Heroes of Hope →Why this matters for Relayers worldwide
The numbers tell a simple, hopeful truth: growth doesn't come from headquarters. It's built in your town, by you. Here's what the fastest-growing partners have in common — and every bit of it is within your reach.
Growth is just one more neighbor
Belgium welcomed its way to 43,000+ Relayers by inviting classmates, colleagues, and neighbors. Every team you start and every friend you bring multiplies. Growth isn't a mystery — it's one more person saying yes.
Welcome the next generation
In Canada, a single university chapter set a national fundraising record. Students who Relay once often Relay for life. Invite a school, a sports team, or a youth group, and watch your event find its future.
Local and frequent wins
Norway and Belgium grow through dense networks of small community events, not one mega-Relay. Your hometown event is the proven model. The movement is built block by block, town by town.
Loyalty compounds
Denmark's supporters return year after year. The volunteer you thank today and the survivor you honor this season become the heart of next year's Relay. Relationships are the quietest growth engine of all.
A link travels further than a flyer
Canada now raises most of its dollars online. A page you share can reach family across the country and friends across the world. Your story has no borders — and neither does your fundraising.
Every step is a lifeline
In New Zealand, every Relayer is a direct connection to lodges, nursing, and rides to treatment for someone facing cancer. When you walk, you fund real care for real people. That is what your steps buy.
No matter your country, your population, or your budget, growth is built the same way — one person, one story, one community at a time. That's the power every Relayer holds. That's you.