Twenty-eight years ago, students at the University of Manitoba joined a movement that was making its way across Canada. For a day, students would go out into the streets and shine shoes, raising money for cystic fibrosis research as part of a national campaign known as Shinerama.
Today, the University of Manitoba is joined by the University of Winnipeg and Red River College, as the three represent the Manitoba region, in what has become the largest student-run charity campaign in Canada.
Taking place at 64 universities across Canada, Shinerama has become more than just a day of shining shoes. Rather, Shinerama has become a summer long campaign which inspires students to come together and work as a school to help defeat cystic fibrosis.
Each campaign organizes events all summer to raise money and to spread awareness about cystic fibrosis, a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children.
Last year, I was given the opportunity to co-chair the campaign at the University of Manitoba. We raised more than $37,000 dollars, contributing to an exceptional year for the national campaign.
This year’s campaigns at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Red River College, promise to be a great showing from the Manitoba schools.
This past weekend was a busy one for all three schools. The University of Winnipeg Shinerama hosted its second annual Shinerama Floor Hockey Tournament, while Red River College Shinerama held a hugely successful car wash.
I went to the University of Manitoba Shinerama’s “High Society Social” at the new campus bar, The Hub. I made sure to be taking part in the silent auction, the Bachelor and Bachelorette auctions, and the all-important Winnipeg Jets tickets draw. Traditionally the U of M’s second biggest Shinerama fundraising event, it was a great night that raised a fair bit of money.
The exciting part of the campaign is what lies ahead. U of W Shinerama will be having their “Swimmarama” event, the U of M Shinerama will be at SuperSpike this weekend, and all three schools will be steadily working towards their respective Shine Days in September.
Shine Day is the big day for all three schools. Last year, at the U of M, we raised more than $16,000 on that day alone. This is the day when the students will flood the city, shining shoes and raising money, just as generations of students have done before them.
This year, Shine Day is on September 13. I’m excited to see how much money each school will raise! It’s a great cause and each dollar donated goes a long way in helping cystic fibrosis research.
To learn more about Shinerama and cystic fibrosis research, visit www.shinerama.ca. Be sure to look out for students from each school running events all summer so you can show your support!
