VICTORIA – The Shoot for the Cure, U SPORTS women's basketball fundraising initiative to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and other related local and provincial charities is up and running for a 15th straight year. This year, the Vikes fundraising efforts will take place from Feb 1-11. with the annual event happening on Feb. 11 at 5:00 p.m. during the women's basketball game vs. Thompson Rivers University.
From now until Feb. 11, the Vikes women's basketball players will shoot 100 free throws each, seeking pledges from supporters for every made free throw with the goal of raising $2000. During Friday's game, various promotions will also raise funds for the cause, including chuck a duck and 'stats for the cure' where corporate and other interested donors can pledge for made three-point shots, free throws and total rebounds. UVic's President Hall will also be participating in the initiative by taking a series of shots following the women's game looking to multiply the total dollars raised with each made basket..
"Vikes women's basketball is proud to once again support the U Sports Shoot for the Cure initiative. This event has a special place in our hearts, as it initially began in recognition and support of Vikes legend Kathy Shields during her battle with breast cancer. Cancer still sadly affects the lives of too many people, and we hope that initiatives like this can make a positive impact on the fight against cancer," said
Carrie Watts, women's basketball head coach.
Last year, the Vikes basketball teams raised a record $15,100 for Shoot for the Cure with a big boost from Vikes Senior Athletic Director
Clint Hamilton and Vikes fan Scott Lake.
Typically, the initiative culminates with a U SPORTS Final 8 cheque presentation during the Women's Final 8 championship game. Given the emphasis on player safety and evolving protocols, this year's fundraiser will feature several online member events and/or in-person initiatives.
Forty-eight U SPORTS women's basketball programs across the four conferences are slated to take part, marking a decade of full membership participation. Last year, over $137,000 was raised, topping the goal of $44,000 after shifting to a digital campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
SHOOT FOR THE CURE YEAR-BY-YEAR DONATIONS:
2020-21: $137,799.21 ($131,159.21 to CCS)
2019-20: $106,726.72 ($70,882.69 to CCS)
2018-19: $97,163.77 ($76,632.82 to CCS)
2017-18: $118,958.16 ($100,961.31 to CCS)
2016-17: $122,274.97 ($90,703.21 to CCS)
2015-16: $124,612.76 ($98,775.90 to CBCF)
2014-15: $125,361.76 ($102,312.05 to CBCF)
2013-14: $138,360.58 ($112,898.03 to CBCF)
2012-13: $110,553.96 ($90,450.62 to CBCF)
2011-12: $121,248.70 ($98,706.92 to CBCF)
2010-11: $143,596.25 ($104,763.53 to CBCF)
2009-10: $104,715.80 ($94,650.96 to CBCF)
2008-09: $92,512.96 ($81,512.96 to CBCF)
2007-08: $50,320.87 ($50,320.87 to CBFC)
Total raised: $1,594,206.47
Help the Vikes reach their goal and support U SPORTS Shoot for the Cure.
Donate now.
