This week's Vitals: The Medical Students' Association prepares for Shinerama 2016

Everything you need to know about this year's student-led fundraising campaign in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Shelby Soke - 30 August 2016

What is Shinerama?

Shinerama is Canada's largest post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. More than 35,000 student volunteers from 50 Canadian universities and colleges across the country participate every year. The University of Alberta event is organized by the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Medical Students' Association (MSA).

University of Alberta students have been participating in Shinerama since 1985. The student shiners hope to grow the event on campus and within the community and raise at least $3,000 in online and day-of donations.

This year's Shinerama Campaign for Cystic Fibrosis Research will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016. Volunteer groups will spread out across the city to raise money for cystic fibrosis in a variety of creative ways. From shining shoes (the classic) to musical performances, the shiners are sure to brighten peoples' days while collecting donations.

How can you participate?

All volunteer shiners are welcome! Shining is a great way to get out and participate in your community. Plus, the more volunteers there are, the more money can be raised.

The event runs from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the Student Union Building Plaza (across from the Van Vliet Complex), with a pancake breakfast and kick-off event. A free pizza lunch will also be provided.

You can join the University of Alberta Team by pre-registering here. There will be prize draws for top fundraising teams and pre-registered volunteers. You can get updates from our Shinerama team on their Facebook page and follow on Twitter #ShineForCF and @ShineramaUofA. If you're unable to participate at Shinerama but still want to support our student shiners and Cystic Fibrosis Canada, you can donateonline.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. Currently, there is no cure.

Cystic fibrosis causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs.

It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has cystic fibrosis. Almost 4,000 Canadian children, adolescents, and adults with cystic fibrosis attend specialized clinics. For more information about cystic fibrosis visithttp://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/