Fanshawe shines in September

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It's time once again for Canada's largest post-secondary fundraiser to hit campuses across the nation. This year marks the 46th annual Shinerama, and organizers have lofty goals on campus and nationwide.

Last year, 35,000 students at 60 universities and colleges across Canada raised nearly $1 million for Cystic Fibrosis research.

Fanshawe College students raised close to $8,000 in 2009. “This year's aim is $10,000,” said Veronica Barahona, Fanshawe Student Union vice-president of internal affairs.

In total, shiners have raised over $20.5 million since the event began collecting donations for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1964. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes scarring and cyst formation within the pancreas, creating mucus in the lungs and cutting a person's life short. Though there is currently no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, treatment programs have extended the lives of many people with this disorder. Today, half of all Canadians with this disorder are expected to live into their 40s and beyond.

Shinerama events begin on campus on September 5 and 6 with two residence days. September 5 events include: a barbeque (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a strawberry social in the SUB Courtyard outside Forwell Hall (6 p.m.) and a magical performance by Nick Wallace in J Gym (7 p.m.). The fun continues on September 6 with another barbeque (5 p.m.), stand-up comedy by Chuck Bryn and Ted Morris in J Gym (7 p.m.), and a Much Video Dance Party in Forwell Hall (9 p.m.).

September 6 is also Carnival Day — “The first party of the semester!” exclaimed Barahona. It's your chance to make a splash with the resident assistants and FSU executives, who will be taking turns in the dunk tank. Get your bounce on at the bouncy castle, play some carnival games or get down to the beats provided by DJ JU in the SUB Courtyard from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Oasis and Out Back Shack will be selling Shine Suns (sunshaped donation slips) for $2 each. All proceeds go to Shinerama. Let your name shine by making a donation.

Fanshawe's first big pub night of the year takes place on September 9. The night begins at 9:30 p.m. in Forwell Hall, with tunes provided by DJ Rick O'Shae. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $3 at the Biz Booth, or at the door for $4. All proceeds go to Shinerama. This is an all-ages event for students who have a valid Fanshawe student card (19+ for those who don't). Barahona described it as a good way to meet the execs and support a great cause.

Fanshawe Shine Day on September 10 will see a whole lotta shining going on throughout the school, with the help of hospitality and tourism students. Traditional Shinerama activities, including shining shoes and busking in the halls, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September 11 sees the love spread across London, with events like carwashes, barbeques, busking and other shiny activities happening around the city.

Volunteers are needed for every event. Students interested in helping out with any (or all) of the festivities can contact Veronica Barahona at fsuinternal@fanshawec.ca.

For more information on campus events, visit www.fsu.ca - keep checking for updates!

For more information on Shinerama and Cystic Fibrosis, visit www.shinerama.ca.