Carleton frosh participants and facilitators kept their Shinerama spirit alive on Sept. 11, raising $44,000 for cystic fibrosis research.
According to Frosh Week co-ordinator Ryan Anthony, the university’s goal was to raise $40,000.
Shinerama is Canada’s largest post-secondary fundraiser, and is held annually for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Last year, Carleton was among 60 other post-secondary institutions participating.
“Some schools campaign [for Shinerama] all year round,” Anthony said. “I think it’s great that in a week, [Carleton] can still raise more money than some of those schools.”
Since Shinerama began at Carleton, the university has raised over $1 million according to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The process of “shining” for Shinerama originally meant shoe shining for spare change towards cystic fibrosis research. Today, the program has evolved into a prominent fixture at university orientation weeks, where students participate in various activities for donations. In the past, students have even waxed their body hair for money, Anthony said.
In addition to the high energy cheers and dances, a car wash service was also held at Carleton, a new addition to the university’s usual Shinerama efforts.
A handful of Frosh Week participants joined the facilitators in rallying for the cause. Melissa Rumble, a first-year journalism student, admitted there were not many first-year students participating in Shinerama.
“But those who are here are pumped,” she said.
Vice-head David Valentin also said he was pleased to see the co-ordinators had informed all volunteers about the troubles of cystic fibrosis. Valentin said he believed this could help volunteers better convey their message.
Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease in which thick mucus clogs the lungs, intestines and pancreas of children and young adults. It is comparable to drowning, Valentin explained.
In March, Carleton’s administration, along with the Carleton University Students’ Association and the Rideau River Residence Association agreed to collaborate on orientation week.
Even with this change, Anthony said Shinerama has remained the same.
Other facilitators, such as first-year communications student Andrew Aprile said Frosh is consistently worthwhile since students can help out for a good cause.
“Meeting new people, and helping raise money for [cystic fibrosis] shows that there’s more
to frosh than partying,” he added.