Header image for Interrobang article
September marks the start of shine season, a time when postsecondary students gather at campuses across Canada to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research.

Shinerama is a fundraising campaign that started in the 1960s with a group of students who decided to find people on the streets and shine their shoes for a donation. The project has since expanded, with shiners across the country doing anything and everything they can to raise awareness and collect donations for CF research.

Since its inception in 1964, Shinerama has raised $21.5 million for CF research, raising $1 million across Canada in 2010. CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada, with one person in Canada dying of CF each week.

CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. In the digestive tract, mucus and protein build up, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food, which results in needing an average of 20 digestive enzyme pills with every meal and snack.

Of the 63 people who died from CF in 2009, half were under the age of 28. Though there is currently no cure for CF, continuing research and support programs are extending the life expectancies of people with CF.

The FSU is hoping to raise $6,000 with activities during the week of September 3 to 10, and there are plenty of ways for you to get your shine on. September 3 and 4 will kick things off with barbeques both outside the Student Centre and at Kestrel Court Residence (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). On Wednesday, September 7 there will be a bake sale in F hallway (outside of the library) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where you can get lots of sweet snacks.

The night of September 8 is the Shinerama pub night, held in Forwell Hall (9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.). Tickets are $3 in advance at the Biz Booth, or $4 at the door. Glow sticks will also be sold at the event for $1. This event is all ages for students with a valid student card, and 19-plus without.

Friday, September 9 is the Shinerama blitz day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with the help of Hospitality and Tourism students taking over the college seeking donations. The Out Back Shack will be doing "Stop the Bop" Rebecca Black style, with "Friday" playing on repeat. Don't worry, though; you can stop the song for one minute by donating $1.

Lastly, on Saturday, September 10 at Kelsey's at 900 Oxford St., shiners will be shining some cars at the Shinerama car wash (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Fanshawe Student Union Vice- President of Internal Affairs Sam Slade said she hopes everyone will come out and participate throughout the week. "It's a really good cause. A lot of people don't know what CF is because here it's not as common as cancer (and other diseases). It's just really good to volunteer — it's a great experience."

For more information on this year's Shinerama, visit fsu.ca/events, or contact Slade at fsuinternal@fanshawec.ca. You can also visit shinerama.ca for more information on Shinerama and Cystic Fibrosis.