Shinerama Goes Virtual

OCTOBER 26, 2020

Shinerama, Canada’s largest post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, took on a new virtual approach this year! We asked student volunteers from universities and colleges all over Canada to participate in this year’s Shinetember Challenge— a 10-day social media challenge between September 8 to September 30 where post-secondary students completed a series of challenges to help raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF).

We asked a few students what their favourite Shinetember challenge was, and to share what the best part of supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada is to them. Here’s what some students had to say:

“My favourite Shinetember challenge was day five, to do a physical activity 43 times. Why? I made a video of myself holding a 43-second plank. I pointed out that it was specifically a 43-second plank first, which helped me catch the viewer’s attention. Then the rest of the video allowed me to explain why I was doing what I was doing. The challenge was so simple, yet so unique, and allowed me to create awareness for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis.

The greatest highlight [of supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada] is knowing how much of a difference Shinerama has made to support Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. Even though I have been supporting Shinerama for one year, we are contributing to the research that will continue to increase the life expectancy [of people living with cystic fibrosis] while helping to find a cure.” – Simrit Randhawa, Wilfrid Laurier University

“My favourite Shinetember Challenge was day one, the why do you ‘shine’ challenge. I always try to ensure that I love what I am doing, and I find I am more productive at doing things when I am passionate about them. Given that, the ‘why’ behind everything that I do has always been very important to me. I also love sharing these whys, in hope to inspire others to join along and work on the causes I care about.

The greatest highlight of supporting CF Canada is seeing the impact made. I love seeing the final total amount raised at the end of the day, and knowing that the funds will be going towards CF research to one day make CF stand for Cure Found. Every time we are out raising funds and we mention a new treatment that is available, it brings me hope that we are closer to that day a cure is found.”- Ashley Wunsch, University of Ottawa

“My favourite Shinetember challenge was the one on September 18, in which participants were encouraged to complete a physical activity 43 times in support of the 4,300 Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. I enjoyed this challenge because it was symbolic and because it was on a Friday after the first full week of classes, so it was a good way to relax and de-stress.

The greatest highlight of supporting CF Canada for me has been planning successful fundraisers and seeing the numerous people that support our campaign and consequently, support CF Canada. Our biggest fundraiser thus far in our campaign was our online auction. We had over 70 businesses donate products, over 1,000 people join our Facebook group and we raised close to $5,000. Although it required a lot of time and effort, it was worth it in the end. Our team is so grateful to have received such an incredible amount of support from both local businesses and participants.”- Megan Coles, Memorial University of Newfoundland