Mayor Mandel enjoys a show shine during the 2012 Shimerama campaign.
On Saturday, September 7, 2013, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry students will trade in their white coats for bright orange t-shirts with two tasks to accomplish: shine shoes and raise money for medical research.
The University of Alberta is one of over 60 schools participating in the annual Shinerama fundraising campaign - the largest university fundraiser in Canada. All money raised from shining shoes goes to Cystic Fibrosis Canada (CFC), an organization committed to finding a cure for a devastating disease through medical research. cystic fibrosis.
Shinerama has raised more than $21.5 million since it began; the 2012 Shinerama campaign raised more than $1,035,000. U of A students are hoping to beat last year's fundraising total of $15,000.
Donations that take this fundraiser off the street corners and into research labs at the University of Alberta and in medical schools across the country. Donations can be made directly to participating students or can be made online.
It is estimated that one Canadian dies from cystic fibrosis each week.
The fatal genetic disease primarily targets the lungs and digestive system, causing a buildup of mucus that affects the patient's ability to breath and properly digest food. It is one of the most prevalent diseases in Canadian children and youth, with one diagnosis in every 3,600 children born. CFC funds cystic fibrosis research, influences public policy on treatment and care, and advocates for those living with the disease. In 2013/2014, CFC will invest more than $7.5 million toward research efforts, including projects, targeted programs and partnerships.