Carleton University Students Continue to Shine

The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF) applauds the decision of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) on Monday night to continue its long-standing partnership with Shinerama. Last week, the Association voted to cancel the annual fundraiser at Carleton University. After many students expressed their concern over the vote, a second motion to re-instate Shinerama was put forth. At yesterday’s meeting, the new motion was passed, setting the stage for another Shinerama campaign in 2009 at the university. “The students at Carleton are leaders in the fight against cystic fibrosis,” said Cathleen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“We are delighted that CUSA chose to continue support for CF research and care. We look forward to working with Carleton students on a successful Shinerama 2009.”

Shinerama is Canada’s largest post-secondary fundraiser, involving students at approximately 65 university and college campuses across Canada, annually. It began in 1964 as a shoe-shining campaign, and has grown to include a wide variety of community and campus-based events under the Shinerama banner. Carleton University has participated in Shinerama for more than 25 years and has raised close to $1 million. This year alone, the school raised $40,000 in support of the work of the CCFF. “Shinerama is an excellent example of young Canadians helping other young Canadians,” added Morrison.


“We’re grateful to all students across the country who have helped to make great strides in the fight against cystic fibrosis.”


This Canada-wide student campaign celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2009. About CF and the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs and the digestive system, is the most common, fatal, genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. In the digestive tract, CF blocks the absorption of adequate nutrients from food. In the lungs, the effects of the disease are most devastating; and with time, respiratory problems become increasingly severe. Ultimately, most CF deaths are due to lung disease. The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a Canada-wide health charity, with 50 volunteer chapters, that funds CF research and care. In 2008, the Foundation is supporting more than 50 research projects, which are exploring all aspects of the CF puzzle; from investigating new methods of fighting infection and inflammation in the lungs, to finding new therapies that target the basic defect at a cellular level.


For more information, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.