Throughout the month of September, colleges and universities across Canada get creative to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in an event known as Shinerama. Last year, they raised over $1 million, and this year, everyone's gearing up to make even more money for the cause.

Ola Akinsara, VP Internal for the Fanshawe Student Union, is organizing the Shinerama events on campus, and she has big plans for this year.

“Shinerama is a national campaign that a lot of students have been partaking in, and we're glad to be doing it again,” she said. “We have a lot of events happening, and all the proceeds go to the local chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes scar tissue and cyst to form in the pancreas, which can cut a person's life short. There is currently no cure for this disease, though recent treatments have extended and improved the lives of many people with CF. “It hits the young population,” Akinsara said, “and as students, we should definitely support that cause.”

Fanshawe's fundraising events kick off on August 31 and September 1 with the Residence Shinerama BBQs. They take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Falcon and Kestral Court residences, and will fill up hungry movers and their families with hot dogs, pop and chips.

The Shinerama charity pub takes place on September 5, and it's an event that's not to be missed. “This is the first pub of the year — most of the students go to that one. It's a lot of fun,” exclaimed Akinsara. Dance your heart out to tunes spun by DJ SEEK in Forwell Hall starting at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 in advance or $4 at the door.

Smash your piggy bank and bring all your quarters, loonies and toonies to school on September 6 — that's when volunteers will spread across campus to collect loose change from students to contribute to the campaign.

On September 7, volunteers will band together to make London a little brighter. “Student volunteers are going to go to local businesses to shine and squeegee up some cars for a donation,” said Akinsara. Volunteers will be washing cars at Kelsey's (900 Oxford St. E., across from the Real Canadian Superstore) and across Oxford Street in the Mac's parking from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The fun wraps up on September 11 with a campus-wide dodgeball game. “It's our first time holding a dodgeball tournament during Shinerama,” Akinsara said with a grin. “Anyone can play — it's fun, it's easy, and who doesn't like playing dodgeball!” It costs $1 to enter — register for the game at the Biz Booth after September 3. Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge your way to victory in the SUB Courtyard from 12 to 1 p.m.

To get involved or to learn more about Fanshawe's Shinerama events, email Akinsara at fsuinternal@fanshawec.ca. For more information about cystic fibrosis, go to shinerama.ca.