The Bisons Women's Basketball is partnering with U SPORTS on the 14th edition of Shoot for the Cure which be held virtually for the 2020-21 season – taking place the Week of Feb. 1-7.
Organized since 2007 in collaboration with the U SPORTS Women's Basketball Coaches' Association, the fundraising initiative raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) – and other related local and provincial charities – to help fight breast cancer.
In lieu of on-campus activations, the Bisons Women's Basketball team has set up a fundraising page and will be encouraging Bisons fans to make a donation. Anyone making a donation is then eligible to take part (either themselves or a designate) in a virtual one hour basketball clinic put on by Bisons Head Coach Michele Sung and members of the Bisons Women's Basketball team on Saturday February 13 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.
"Shoot for the Cure provides teams across the country the opportunity to come together and work toward a common goal. Typically on the court, we are fierce competitors. Shoot for the Cure unites all teams in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Unfortunately, we all have been touched by cancer. Raising money helps turn a negative experience into something positive," says Bisons Women's Basketball Head Coach Michele Sung.
The Bisons will join in promoting Shoot for the Cure through their digital channels as part of a national marketing campaign for the second consecutive year. in an effort to raise $44,000. U SPORTS will also publish frequent updates of funds raised via social media, showcasing the national progression towards this goal and the cumulative 14-year target of $1.5 Million.
"This has been a difficult year for U SPORTS student athletes, with primarily online courses and no meaningful games to play. The fact that so many of them are still participating in the annual Shoot For The Cure initiative to do their part, together, to help those affected by this brutal disease is great to see," said Jeff Speedy, Shoot for the Cure Project Manager, and head coach of the UNB Reds. "Our goal of raising $44,000 would be a very modest goal most years, but this year, with a pandemic and no games to play to help us raise money, it may be a challenge. But, we have a long list of very dedicated organizers, student-athletes and donors who are on board to try to make it happen."
All 48 U SPORTS women's basketball programs across the four conferences are slated to take part, marking a decade of full membership participation. Last year, over $106,000 was raised, topping the goal of $100,000 to mark the sport's centennial anniversary.
Donations can be made online via the CCS website, through the Bisons individual team fundraising page here.
"Each year, funds raised through Shoot for the Cure support groundbreaking breast cancer research and a national support system to help people at every stage of their cancer journey," said Jane Parsons, Executive Vice President, Community Giving at the Canadian Cancer Society. "Breast cancer hasn't stopped being a life-changing and life-threatening disease during a global health pandemic and CCS has seen increased demand for many of our support programs, including our telephone and online programs. It's thanks to the generous contributions from Shoot for the Cure organizers, donors and participants that we're able to support Canadians affected by breast cancer, during the COVID-19 pandemic and year-round."