Shine Day raises over $18,000 despite rain

Saturday, September 8 was Shine Day, the annual event that brings students across the country together to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. Shine Day is a part of a larger campaign known as Shinerama, a campaign that Brock has played an important role in for a number of years. Shinerama began in 1964 as a small shoe shining campaign during Orientation Week. From these humble beginnings, Shinerama has grown into a nation-wide fundraising campaign spanning across 60 college and university campuses, encompassing over 35,000 students who volunteer every year.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disorder in Canada. There is currently no known cure. The disease primarily affects the lungs as well as digestive system. The most debilitating effects are respiratory difficulty stemming from mucus build up in the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult, as well as in the digestive tract, where the mucus build up leads to nutrients not being properly absorbed.

Since 1964, the average life expectancy of those suffering from cystic fibrosis has increased from three to 37 years of age. Available treatments have also improved, allowing many to live a more normal and active life. These advancements have been made possible in part from the efforts of thousands of students who, every year, take part in events like Shine Day.

This year, despite the poor weather, Brock students came out strong for Shine Day, taking to various locations around the city to wash cars, and doing whatever they can to help those living with cystic fibrosis. While the rain may have dampened the streets, it could not dampen the spirits of these enthusiastic Brock students.

“This was my fourth year doing Shinerama and the first time it rained. So, we had to get creative and storm the streets. We were all surprised people were handing us $5 $10 and even $20 bills…But what we had to endure was nothing in comparison to people with cystic fibrosis.” said Amanda Slamka, a fourth-year Health Science student said.

It is certainly the students that make Shinerama the event that it is, Carly White, Shinerama Coordinator for BUSU says “Even with torrential rains to start the day we had some of the most enthusiastic volunteers and site leaders I have ever met. Without their hard work we would never have been as successful as we were.”

Shine Day has become one of the biggest events on campus in the past few years, and has become an O-Week tradition. It has also become the embodiment of the kind and generous character of the student body. Anyone who has participated in Shine Day can speak to the overwhelming positive energy that defines the day. Events like Shine Day in many ways provide a response to misconceptions and stereotypes often wrongly associated with Brock students. Highlighting such acts may help break down barriers, and strengthen the relationship between the student body and the community outside of Brock.

Saturday’s Shine Day raised $18, 695.20, all of which will go directly towards finding a much needed cure for cystic fibrosis.

For more information on Shinerama, visit www.busu.net/get-involved/shinerama