Think Pink campaign a huge success

Women's basketball players support the cause with Breast Cancer Foundation socks and pink shoelaces (photo by: Steve Brooks)

WATERLOO, Ont. - The Waterloo athletic department has raised the bar with their third annual Think Pink Campaign raising over $21,667.43 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region. That number will shortly increase as the department awaits final donation numbers of sponsors. As it stands, the $21,667.43 raised is a community events fundraising record for schools in Ontario, as confirmed by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region.

The Think Pink campaign originated from the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) women's basketball coaches association and has now expanded to a department wide initiative that runs on a yearly basis. Many schools across Ontario (and Canada) have taken on this initiative and have provided thousands of dollars in donations to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In its third year, the Waterloo Athletic Department set a goal of $10,000 in donations, which was exceeded before their Think Pink weekend events even started, thanks to online donations, t-shirt sales and sponsor events.

Throughout the past weekend, the Waterloo promotions and events team put on a series of events to attract fans and donations to varsity games and campus recreation events. Fans and students were treated to eight different varsity games, a spin-a-thon and a 3-on-3 indoor soccer tournament to help raise money for the campaign.

The promotional team in the department should be commended for their hard work and dedication to the cause. Emma Glofcheski, a member of that team and current co-op student in the department was a big part of the overall goal as she promised to shave her head if she raised over $2,000.

Her goal was easily reached and Emma followed through with her promise during an emotionally driven intermission promotion at the women's hockey game on Sunday, November 14. Emma was greeted by the entire women's hockey team at the conclusion of her hair removal and praised for her selfless deed.

The Warrior women's basketball team were also significant in helping the department surpass the $20,000 mark. As a team they brought in a total of $3,590.00 ($256.43 average/player) for the Think Pink campaign. “It's phenomenal. We had complete buy-in from the students, staff and sponsors,” said head coach Tyler Slipp. “I am very proud of how much the girls raised this year.”

A highlight of the Think Pink weekend was the 'Fill the Gym” challenge on Saturday night at the men's and women's basketball games as Waterloo played host to the top team in the country, the Carleton Ravens. Fans and students answered the call and over 1,000 students showed up for both games to show their support for the black and gold (and pink).

Promotions and event coordinator Jenny Mackay was thrilled at the overall result of the event and the support received by the University of Waterloo, the community and Warrior sponsors. “There were many different hands on board to make the campaign such a success,” mentioned Jenny. “I look forward to the fourth annual campaign next year to see if we can raise the bar even higher.”

Waterloo will be running the fourth annual Think Pink campaign next season in November 2011 with hopes of continuing the strong support for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

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