REDS Raise $19000+
(FREDERICTON, NB) Chalk up another slam dunk for the UNB REDS’ Shoot for the Cure effort.
The REDS’ two-week 2022 ‘Think Pink’ campaign, involving five REDS teams and sponsor Stewart McKelvey, raised $19,197.50.
“It’s a pretty amazing total,” said Jeff Speedy, head coach of the REDS’ women’s basketball team who also serves as the Shoot for the Cure project manager for the U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association. “Our student-athletes and coaches were really engaged in this year’s campaign. Their creativity and hard work, after having to quickly pivot to strictly fundraising online, was great to see. As a result, we raised a lot of money for a great cause.”
Speedy’s team, along with UNB’s men’s basketball squad, women’s volleyball team, women’s hockey team and women’s soccer team, ran numerous online events between January 17th and 30th, all aimed at raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Virtual skill sessions, trivia nights, 50-50 draws and an online auction were among the activities that teams ran.
The support, according to Speedy, was overwhelming.
This year’s total of more than $19,000 dollars surpasses last year’s record total of more than $16,000.
“I want to thank Stewart McKelvey for their continued sponsorship of our annual Shoot for the Cure initiative,” said Speedy. “I’d also like to thank all of our REDS parents, fans, alumni, and others who bought tickets or made donations to some or all of our different events. Our student-athletes and coaches worked hard, but without Stewart McKelvey leading the way, and so many others making donations, we could not have raised this much money for the Canadian Cancer Society.”
“I want to congratulate Coach Speedy and all the REDS teams that participated in Shoot for the Cure this year,” said REDS’ Director of Athletics John Richard. “They put so much into this. It’s one of the many ways our student-athletes look to give back to the community that supports them. Thanks to all those who donated and took part. It’s a group effort, and it’s a really big group.”
UNB’s more than $19,000 will be added to the national total raised by the more than 40 Canadian universities that participate in U SPORTS women’s basketball. The national goal in 2022 is $100,000. That would push a cumulative total, over 15 years of Shoot for the Cure, to almost $1.7 million.
The national fundraising total is expected to be announced in February.
While considered in the national total, the money raised by the REDS collective effort will benefit breast cancer awareness and support programs in New Brunswick.