Mount A Shinerama campaign raises nearly $35,000 for CF research

It was a day of shiny success for the Mount Allison University Shinerama campaign.

The student-led fundraiser, in support of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, held its annual Shinerama Day on Saturday, shattering their overall campaign goal of $20,000 by bringing in $21,000 on Shine Day alone. This brings their 2009 campaign total to a record-breaking $35,000.

"This is way more than we ever could have imagined raising for Shinerama and a new Mount Allison record," said Mayme Lefurgey, chair of the 2009 Mount Allison Shinerama campaign.

"We are so grateful to our many volunteers and the surrounding communities who supported us generously in our fundraisers and events throughout the summer and fall."

In addition to Shine Day activities on Saturday - which saw students out in full force shining shoes, washing cars, painting faces, and lending a helpful hand in Sackville, Amherst, Shediac, and the Greater Moncton Area - the Mount A Shinerama committee also organized several very successful secondary fundraisers throughout the summer months.

These included a concert at Cranewood, the sale of the popular 'Shine On' aromatherapy pendants produced by Stoney Creek's Terra Cotta Pendants, pancake breakfasts, pub nights, and the Swim Silver Lake event, which saw members of the Mount Allison varsity swim team swim across Sackville's Silver Lake.

Shinerama is Canada's largest post-secondary fundraiser, and Mount Allison has one of the highest participation rates in the country. The campaign celebrated its 45th year in 2009.

The money raised through Shinerama goes to support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its efforts to find a cure, or an effective control for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF), which attacks the lungs and the digestive system, is the most common, fatal, genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.

The CCFF is a world leader in the fight against CF. Canadian researchers discovered the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis in 1989 and they continue to play a leading role in the race to develop new treatments for the disease.

For more information, please visit www.shinerama.ca.