VICTORIA – On its 16th anniversary, the University of Victoria Vikes Championship Breakfast (VCB) served another epic display of community support, raising $746,823 for student-athlete scholarships.

"This event is amazing; year after year, it's a reminder of the power of our community and its commitment to the Vikes programs. It's not just financial; it's a testament to their belief in the transformative power of sport and education," said Director of Varsity Performance Sport, Nick Clarke.

Abuzz with not only caffeine but generosity, over 350 alumni, supporters and community members gathered in the CARSA Performance Gym to celebrate the Department of Athletics and Recreation's largest annual fundraiser.

Since 2013, the University of Victoria has generously matched funds raised at the breakfast, this year pledging to match the first $ 250,000 raised—a gesture highlighting the university's commitment to athletics and recreation.

Contributions from all sources to the annual event now exceed $8 million.

Student-athlete emcees Soleil Brooks of women's rugby, Connor Attridge of men's rowing, and Diego Maffia of men's basketball welcomed attendees to the early morning event. Attridge challenged the audience to donate on the spot which turned out to be a resounding success, raising an additional $16,200 during breakfast.

This year's keynote speaker, UVic men's rowing alumnus Adam Donaldson, walked the audience through his experience as a varsity athlete, from his struggles to his triumphs and the life lessons learned along the way, highlighting just how impactful fundraising events like the VCB are to the varsity athlete experience and beyond.

"Your investment allows student-athletes to sacrifice short-term obligations to harness the long-term benefits that come with being a student-athlete. Thank you for continuing to allow student-athletes to focus on being student-athletes, because your are changing their lives," reiterated Donaldson in his speech.  

This year's breakfast could not have been possible without the event sponsors Team Sales Vancouver Island, Minute Maid, Rogers Sports and Media, and the University of Victoria.

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2022: Kathleen Leahy (Women's Field Hockey Alumna)
2021: Nathan Hirayama (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2020: Debbie Yeboah (Women's Basketball Alumni)
2019: Chris Hindmarch-Watson (swimming), Joann Malhotra (nee Nash - women's soccer) and Lindsey Bergen (nee Jennerich - rowing)
2018: Gareth Rees (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (Men's Basketball Alumni)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (Women's Field Hockey Alumna)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic Triathlete)
2014: Darcy Marquardt (Women's Rowing Alumna)
2013: Dr. Paul E. Zehr (UVic Professor and author)
2012: Pierre Lafontaine (Former Swimming Canada CEO)
2011: Adam Kreek (Men's Rowing Alumni)
2010: Stephanie Dixon (Women's Swimming Alumna)
2009: Bob Lenarduzzi (President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2008: Chris Hebb (Men's Basketball Alumni)
 
BREAKFAST FUNDS RAISED
2023: $746,823
2022: $807,256
2021: $707,590
2020: $630,000
2019: $550,000
2018: $604,000
2017: $595,050
2016: $503,909
2015: $466,756
2014: $482,640
2013: $492,086
2012: $426,606
2011: $424,685
2010: $377,405
2009: $338,196
2008: $330,961