AlgomaU ShootForCure

Supplied by Algoma University…
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – February 7, 2017): On Friday night, in front of 500 fans at the George Leach Centre in their annual Shoot for the Cure event, sponsored by the Alumni Council, the Algoma Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program presented a cheque to the Sault Ste. Marie Canadian Cancer Society for $7,255.90.

To highlight their continued dedication and commitment to fighting cancer and raising funds for those affected, the Canadian Cancer Society awarded Varsity Sports Coordinator, Rachel Johnson – who is the driving force behind the Shoot for the Cure event – the Ontario Division’s “Impact in Community Fundraising Award”.

“We are happy to honour the contributions [of] the Algoma Thunderbirds and Rachel Johnson for all the efforts put forth for Shoot for the Cure,” said Lori McDonald, Fundraising Specialist with the Algoma Canadian Cancer Society. “We wanted to recognize the Algoma Thunderbirds and Rachel because of the passion that I have seen go into the event. Rachel leads this event with fierce courage and determination.”

Recipients of the award must raise at least $1,000 per year; have demonstrated a passion and commitment to the Canadian Cancer Society and the fight against cancer; worked in spirit and cooperation with the Society; and have created an event which can serve as a model for other fundraisers.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our community,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, cancer continues to affect the lives of our students, our athletes, and our staff members, whether directly or indirectly. This event is a chance for us to come together, engage with our community, and help ease the burden of someone’s fight against this still-incurable disease. Thank you to everyone who donated, and thank you to the Canadian Cancer Society for this incredible honour.”

At half-time of the men’s basketball game, three members of the Algoma University community cut and donated their hair to Locks of Love. Johnson and students Stephanie Jennings and Sabrina Boros received the cut, donating over 50 inches of hair, to the non-profit program which provides hair pieces to persons 21 years of age and younger in Canada and the United States suffering from long-term hair loss from medical diagnosis. The Hair Emporium provided the cuts.

Since its inception seven years ago, Algoma’s Shoot for the Cure event has raised over $16,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Algoma’s Shoot for the Cure event is part of the larger U Sports’ (formerly the CIS) annual Shoot for the Cure event, which aims to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research through the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Now in its 11th year, the Shoot for the Cure campaign has raised over one million dollars in donations.