It's hard to imagine the life a student-athlete getting much busier with the balance of academics and athletics but giving back to the KW community is an important aspect of wearing the black and gold with pride. The dedicated Warriors student-athletes have been in the giving spirit this holiday season and have graciously given up their time to make a difference through community outreach initiatives.
Close to 100 student-athletes attended Operation Christmas Child (OCC) in late November, where shoeboxes were filled with hygiene items, school supplies, and toys, and are given to underprivileged children in Canada. To nobody's surprise, the on-staff managers at OCC mentioned that 8,102 boxes were packed in a single session, the most they have ever seen compiled in one session.
Mady Palmer, member of the swim team and one of the lead organizers was amazed by response of the student-athletes.
"For so many student-athletes to show up during such a busy time, shows the commitment to being leaders in our community," said Mady. "Students are juggling a lot this time of year, whether it be exams, final papers, and staying in game shape, so for that many student-athletes to take time to give back speaks volumes."
The Department of Athletics was also proud to host its ninth annual Think Pink Campaign throughout the month of November. Six different varsity games, a variety of recreational initiatives and other fundraising efforts targeted at students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members combined to help raise over
$16,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Chapter, making it a nine year total of
$193,600.
The highlight of the campaign came at intermission of a men's hockey game and halftime of a men's basketball game as 19 students combined to shave/cut their hair for the cause. The hair was donated to various charities (Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Locks of Love) while each individual used the hair cutting as a key motivator to raise money for Think Pink.
"I am so proud by everyone's efforts to help raise money and awareness for such an important cause," said marketing, events and outreach manager
Jenny Mackay. "It's a real sense of community here at the University of Waterloo, and when our students get together to reach fundraising goals, it's amazing to see the collaborative effort shine through."
As the department looks forward to the 10
th annual campaign again next fall, there is no doubt the $200K amount will be surpassed, an incredible feat that the department should be very proud of.
Another important fund raising effort in the month of November was headed by the men's rugby, track and hockey teams as members of those programs grew moustaches for Movember, raising money and awareness for men's health, particularly prostate and testicular cancer.
Other community outreach initiatives performed by Warriors teams' and the department include the following:
- Ray of Hope (M&W Rugby)
- Rugby Night for Atom Warhawks football (Women's Rugby)
- Feds Food Bank (Department wide)
- United Way Train Pull (Department wide)
- KW Oktoberfest Charity Golf Tournament (Men's Golf)
- Santa Claus Parade (UW Band & Warrior Tribe)
- Stuff the Warrior Van Toy Drive (Department Wide)
"We are so proud of our student-athletes for taking time out of their busy schedules to be role models in our community," said director of athletics and recreation
Roly Webster. "I'm proud of all their efforts to make a difference not only across campus but in our outstanding community."
