Shinerama: Fundraising in Support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Shinerama is Canada's largest post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Over 35,000 students from universities and colleges across the country come together each year to make a difference in the lives of those battling CF by flipping burgers, washing cars, or doing whatever it takes to bring awareness to the cause and raise funds to fight the disease.
Shinerama at STU
When Wasiimah Joomun first volunteered for Shine Day she didn’t know much about Shinerama or cystic fibrosis. Now, as St. Thomas University’s Shinerama Coordinator she’s committed to raising awareness and funds for the cause.
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“At first, I didn’t know what I was doing, I just knew Shine Day was a good volunteer opportunity,” Joomun said. “I started looking into what cystic fibrosis is and it’s a cause I’ve become very passionate about.”
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease among young adults and children in Canada. It causes various effects on the body, but mostly targets the digestive system and lungs, and there is no cure. The Shinerama campaign is the largest post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada—thousands of students across the country participate in Shine Day to increase awareness and raise money to fight the disease.
“Shine Day is a lot of fun. Students go to different Shine sites where they could be barbequing or washing cars to raise money for the cause,” Joomun said. “You work within a team, which allows you to bond with people and it’s a great introduction to the Fredericton community for first-year students.”
The cause hits close to home for St. Thomas. In 2013, Heather MacInnis, a Religious Studies and Sociology student from Harvey, NB, lost her battle with the disease. Heather was actively involved in Shineramaand each year at the end of Shine Day the university presents the Heather MacInnis Memorial Award to a deserving student.
“The award goes to the student that shined the brightest—the student that was vocal, took initiative, and had the most energy,” Joomun said. “It goes to the person who had the most passion and dedication to the cause.”
This year, Joomun hopes to see the STU Shinerama campaign raise $7,500 through Shine Day, Shinerama shirt sales, and their online fundraising pages.
Shine Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, and Joomun is eager to see how the event will impact volunteers and contribute to the search for a cure.
“I’m very excited to see the first years and how Shine Day will make a difference in their life—I know it did in mine,” she said. “It’s a fulfilling day that will make you feel connected to the community, the cause, and the people you’re volunteering with.”