The Blues more than doubled the total amount raised from 2015-16, leading the entire OUA in fundraising this season thanks to the incredible efforts of 12 Think Pink champions from 10 different Varsity Blues teams and all those who donated in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are proud to announce that $13,073.05 was raised over the course of the 10th annual Think Pink campaign, January 20-28.
The Blues more than doubled the total amount raised from 2015-16, leading the entire OUA in fundraising this season thanks to the incredible efforts of 12 Think Pink champions from 10 different Varsity Blues teams and all those who donated.
The promotion began on January 20-21 as donations were accepted at the Toronto Invitational swimming meet and Fred Foot track and field meet. Also in attendance on January 21 was the Junior Blues Gymnastics Club who put on their annual bake sale, raising over $1000 in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Chapter.
Highlighting our Varsity Blues champions; promotions team leader Giovanna Lisena was the top fundraiser, bringing in $3,450 as she dedicated her efforts to her grandmother, a breast cancer survivor, who was in attendance for the women's volleyball Think Pink game on January 28. Giovanna had her hair cut by her grandmother at the game and will be donating it to Angel Hair for Kids.
"I was incredibly honoured to be apart of such an amazing event," said Lisena. "Everyone, in some way or another, has been touched by cancer. In my case, my grandmother, after whom I am named, was diagnosed in 2008. Knowing how important it is for family members to stand and fight with those going through cancer is why this campaign is so special. Cutting my hair with other Blues members demonstrated that together we can make a difference and continue the fight together. Personally, I consider the Varsity Blues and the University of Toronto community to be family and family sticks together through both the great times and the not so great times. We all bleed blue!"
Not far behind in fundraising totals was the Varsity Blues women's hockey team and Think Pink champion Valencia Yordanov. A second-year goaltender, Valencia and her teammates raised $3,193 for the campaign while also dedicating their game on January 27 to Think Pink. Festivities surrounding the game included a ceremonial puck drop with breast cancer survivor and friend of the women's hockey program, Lydia Maldonado, and a donation of hair to the CBCF from Think Pink champion and hockey student coordinator Madison Danford.
Rounding out the top three fundraisers for the Varsity Blues was the women's basketball team and champions Maddy Baker and Mahal De La Durantaye, who together raised $1,867.05. The campaign was especially important for third-year guard Maddy as she honoured her grandmother, a breast cancer survivor, during their Think Pink game on January 28.
"I was very happy to be a part of the campaign," said Maddy. "Knowing all the fundraising and awareness goes to such a good cause is amazing. Honouring my grandmother was wonderful. I am so happy I got to recognize her for her fight."
Also, prior to tip off Varsity Blues head coach Michèle Bélanger honoured a two-time breast cancer survivor and member of the U of T Sports Hall of Fame, basketball alumni Theresa Burns, currently head coach for the McMaster Marauders. During the game both Mahal and previously mentioned Valencia also cut their hair in support of the initiative.