It’s their time to shine!

The first week of university can be a lot of fun for new students, but it’s also an opportunity to give something back.

For more than 40 years, students from the University of New Brunswick have participated in Shinerama, raising over half a million dollars in the process.

Shinerama began in 1964 and is now held at over 60 universities and colleges across Canada.  The event raises money for people living with cystic fibrosis, a crippling disease that affects the lungs and digestive tract.

“If you participate in Shinerama, you’re giving back,” said Anthony Enman, Shinerama director UNB Saint John.  “Not only do you get to meet a ton of new people, but you are also making a difference in someone’s life.”

Shine Day

Students at UNB Fredericton can shine on Saturday, Sept. 10.  Shinerama will be held at UNB Saint John on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

“If you come out for Shine Day, you’re going to meet a lot of new friends,” said Tawni Trofanenko, Shinerama director at UNB Fredericton.  “And plus, it’s a great way to pitch in for a good cause and feel good about what you’re doing.”

Shinerama began with students shining shoes for donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, but anything goes these days.

“One thing that we’re trying out this year that should be fun is called Shake Your Cans,” Trofanenko said.  “There’s going to be cans strapped to someone’s body and you put a donation in they do a little dance or jig.  I think it will liven up the atmosphere.”

Enman said that he’s seen a lot of original ways to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research over the years that he’s been involved in Shinerama.

“I saw someone get taped to a pole once and a certain amount of money had to be raised to get him down,” he said.  “And then there was a girl who did cartwheels down King Street.”

Enman added that as long as it is safe, any activity can be done to raise money for Shinerama.

“Over the years, Shinerama has become cautious about what students can do in order to raise money, but you can still have fun,” he said.  “You can literally do anything – hula hoop or set up your band on the corner of the street.”

Make lasting memories

Students at UNB Saint John have the chance to win big prizes if they participate in early bird fundraising for Shinerama.

“First year students should have a pledge sheet mailed to them in their orientation package,” explained Enman.  “The person who raises the most money for cystic fibrosis research prior to Shine Day will win the big prize, the iPad.”

At UNB Fredericton, students living in residence will have a free breakfast provided to them on Shine Day, as well as a demonstration of what day-to-day life for a person living with cystic fibrosis is like.

Free public transit will be provided by the city of Fredericton to students participating in Shine Day.

“The city has been so supportive,” Trofanenko said.  “It will be a great opportunity for new students to explore the city and to see how friendly everyone is toward UNB.  A lot of alumni recognize the event and look forward to it every year.”

Trofanenko added that she has fond memories of her experiences with Shinerama, which is why she decided to become involved in the event on the organizational side.

“You make lasting friendships at this,” she said.  “There are people who participated in their first year who keep coming back two, three, four years later, like me.”

Both Trofanenko and Enman encouraged all UNB students to come out and take part in this year’s Shinerama festivities.

“When you first get here, you’re going to see a lot, take part in a lot, and it’s going to be an overwhelming but rewarding experience,” Enman said.  “You should take every opportunity you can to meet other students and have fun and there’s no better way than to take part in Shinerama.”

Contributed by Alanah Duffy, UNB Communications & Marketing. This story made possible thanks to the support of the UNB Associated Alumni.