X-Women Basketball to raise funds for national Shoot for the Cure campaign

Shoot for the Cure shifts to digital campaign for 2021; aims to raise $44,000 to reach $1.5 Million cumulative total

TORONTO – U SPORTS announced Wednesday the 14^th edition of Shoot for the Cure will 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 and the traditional U SPORTS Final 8 cheque presentation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's fundraiser features several online member events. The activities include skills competitions, hair-cutting, trivia nights, auctions, fitness classes, skills clinics, fun walks/runs,  eSports tournaments, raffles, 50/50 draws and re-airing of classic games – all held virtually.

In addition, members will join in promoting the initiative 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 each member institution's 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."

For the all-time Shoot for the Cure Donation totals, click here.