If you happened to take a walk down Spring Garden Road on Tuesday, you might have mistakenly thought the circus was in town. Acrobats, jugglers and musicians in a sea of colourful shirts, grass skirts and funny hats took over the city in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
For the past 46 years, students at universities across Canada have been participating in Shinerama to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. Shinerama started with students shining shoes in exchange for a donation. These days, anything goes, as long as its safe and legal.
Shinearama is a long-standing orientation week tradition at Dalhousie. In 2003, Dal students teamed up with students from Mount Saint Vincent University and polished the HMCS Charlottetown, a Canadian warship, from stem to stern. To date, they hold the record for the largest object polished in support of Shinerama.
Both frosh and returning students alike participate in the high-energy fundraising event.
Dal News hit the streets to find out what Shinerama means to 窪蹋勛圖厙students and why they choose to come out and show their support:
- For people who have Cystic Fibrosis, their last years are often their university days. Its such a great tradition at Dal and its great to keep it going. It doesnt seem fair for those of us who are blessed with good health to not give our time and money. Its an easy and fun way to save some lives, so why wouldnt you do it? Elizabeth Croteau
- A few years back a high school friend passed away from Cystic Fibrosis. I was really good friends with him and his family so I like to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.
- William Perrett - Its nice to help people. Lots of people have helped me out in my life. Its nice to help out another person. - Thomas Bagley
- Its a great way to meet people and a great cause. There are so many people affected by Cystic Fibrosis. Its a condition we need to find a cure for. I also know people affected by it and their families. I know its a tough thing to go through.- Alanna Langille
- Why not? Its not like its boring! Were out having fun.- John Gagnier