Shinerama hits record number of volunteers

The Brock population wrapped up O-Week this year in its usual fashion, spilling out into the community for the annual Shinerama fundraiser for cystic fibrosis on Saturday.

Shinerama has become Canada's largest post-secondary school fundraiser, and currently there are approximately 60 universities and colleges that take part of this event each year in order to raise awareness and donations that will go towards the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF).

To truly understand how participation has helped, consider the history of the cause; when Shinerama first began in 1964, it was a time where most children with cystic fibrosis (CF) did not live until their third birthday.

Today, half of all Canadians with CF are expected to live into their late 30s, and even beyond.

Since Shinerama began, student volunteers have raised more than $17 million to support the CCFF. Brittany McLeod, Brock's Volunteer and Charities Coordinator, stressed how important it is to be involved with Shinerama.

"Brock is a relatively new school, so we need to build a name for ourselves, we need to create an identity."

McLeod hoped that those who are part of the Brock community realize what an excellent opportunity they have to help out.

"We can make a difference, and this is just one way to be interactive with the Niagara community, those who are here longer than four years," said McLeod.

She also went on to say that all of the money raised here stays here, as in it goes directly back into the Niagara community. What many students may not realize is that there are over 700 residents of St. Catharines who currently struggle with CF.

This year, Shinerama had over 300 participants, which is the biggest turn out ever for Brock University.

This year, Brock's goal was to reach $15,000 which would go directly towards CF research and treatment programs.
Those who took part in the event can rest assured that there have been research breakthroughs that would not have been possible without the aid Shinerama raises.

Volunteers were treated to a day that was jam-packed with things to do and lots of free gear.
In addition to the chance to give back to the community, McLeod was quick to point out that everything was free, and that food, drinks, a T-shirt, a Shinerama box set and a free concert were all included.

Yet despite all the extras for volunteers, the main goal is that funds raised by Brock students participating in Shinerama will lead to the development of a cure or will at least help those afflicted with CF.
"Shinerama will always be about being able to speak for those who can't," said McLeod.