UPEI ending 40-year Shinerama tradition

After nearly40 years supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada's nationalShineramafundraising campaign, UPEI is focusing its efforts elsewherethis year.

The university's new student orientation coordinator Tayte Willowssays first-yearstudents will take part in a new localfundraising initiative called Panthers for Change.

We wanted to provide them with the chance to connect with groups working here on P.E.I.- Tayte Willows, UPEI

"Ultimately it came down to what the purpose for new student orientation is an opportunity for our students to build healthy connections, and to develop those connections on campus and in the larger community,"saidWillows.

"So we wanted to provide them with the chance to connect with groups working here on P.E.I. and doing work that they can stay connected to throughout the rest of their time in university."

Supporting local groups

Unlike Shinerama which saw students at UPEI and other universities collectingmoney that goes back toCystic Fibrosis Canada's national office the new initiative willdirectly support four local groups:the P.E.I. Humane Society, the P.E.I. chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, PEI Family Violence Prevention Services, and the Alzheimer's Society of P.E.I.

We are disappointed that UPEI will not be participating in Shinerama this year, but are hopeful we will work with UPEI again in the future.- Cystic Fibrosis Canada's Atlantic director

All four groups will meet withstudents during their first week in September to discuss what they do and how students can get involved throughout the year.

"Then on September 6th a Tuesday we'll be downtown collecting change just like youused to [with Shinerama]," said Willows.

"We'll be out alongthe streets, singing, dancing, having a good time, and looking for support from the community."

'We're disappointed'

According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, UPEIalonehas raised over $380,000 through Shineramacampaigns over the past 39 years.

In a statement to CBC News, theorganization'sAtlantic director Lisa Weatherhead said that money has helped"local families in P.E.I. receive specialized multidisciplinary care."

"We are disappointed that UPEI will not be participating in Shinerama this year, but are hopeful we will work with UPEI again in the future," she added.

The P.E.I. Humane Society says it's pleased to see UPEI students focusing their attention on local organizations.

"Especially for new students coming from off Island that might not be familiar with our organization, this is a wonderful opportunity," said development coordinator Jennifer Harkness.

"And hopefully we'll gather some more volunteers as well."

Willows says the Panthers for Changefundraiser will likely become an annual initiative, though the university may decide to support different local groups each year.

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