Carleton students took over downtown Ottawa on Sept. 2 to raise money for Shinerama, a fundraiser that supports cystic fibrosis research.
The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) and the Rideau River Residence Association (RRRA) have been fundraising in recent weeks, culminating in their fundraising efforts during fall orientation week.
This year, Shinerama raised approximately $60,000 overall, surpassing the $40,000 goal for this year’s orientation. They also beat last year’s fundraising total of $37,000, according to Shinerama co-ordinator Kendra Kading.
CUSA launched the “add a dollar” campaign at CUSA businesses, which asks students purchasing items at places such as Haven’s Bookstore or Oliver’s Pub to add a dollar donation on their bill for Shinerama.
CUSA also showcased new merchandise as part of Shinerama fundraising this year.
Profits from CUSA shirts, which were sold for $5 during orientation and the month of September, are all expected to go to Shinerama.
“We have a few things up our sleeve to try to make sure we’re hitting a high mark for Shinerama this year,” CUSA president Fahd Alhattab said.
RRRA hosted a gala to raise funds for Shinerama. The gala raised $5,700 total, according to RRRA president Graham Pedregosa.
Pedregosa said they hosted the gala to get alumni donating to the cause.
“This year we really wanted to reach out to alumni. It’s a connection we usually don’t reach out to,” Pedregosa said. “Many people were on the streets getting money from the community, but I think one thing we never really reached was alumni.”
Pedregosa said the fundraiser is an important beginning of the year tradition for Carleton students.
“I think it really sets an example. We are student leaders. We have been elected to serve a mandate,” Pedregosa said.
In addition to the $5,700, the RRRA executives also donated their salaries from the past week of orientation—approximately $600—for a grand total of over $6000.
Kading said the funds were raised through the participation of Sprott School of Business orientation, as well as volunteers.
“The education and awareness this summer really made people more passionate about this cause,” Kading said. “In my four years of doing Fall-O I’ve never seen that much dedication.”
