University President Ilene Busch-Vishniac and student union president Max FineDay get their shoes shine by the Shinerama co-ordinators.

On Sept. 12, students from the University of Saskatchewan School of Physical Therapy will hit the streets of Saskatoon to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.

The fundraiser, Shine Day, is part of the annual Canada-wide Shinerama campaign.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease which causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive systems. This can lead to bacterial infections and respiratory and digestive problems. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that is passed from parents to their children by birth. Currently, there is no known cure.

From noon until 3 p.m., Shine Day volunteers will collect donations around the U of S campus. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., volunteers will be collecting donations at other locations around Saskatoon, including the Preston Crossing Walmart and all Sobeys locations.

“We do whatever we can to get donations,” said Shinerama co-ordinator Matthew Ankerman. “In the past, its been shining shoes, singing songs, dancing and face painting. Really, whatever the volunteers want to do to get donations.”

This year’s Shine Day fundraiser will occur in conjunction with students from Saskatoon Business College, who will be collecting donations in downtown Saskatoon.

In 2012, Shinerama volunteers at the U of S raised over $20,000 for cystic fibrosis research. This year, the Shinerama coordinators are hoping to raise $25,000.

Amy Lackie, a Shinerama co-ordinator, said physical therapists often treat people with cystic fibrosis.

“We’re helping out a cause that we could experience in our profession,” Lackie said.

Shinerama was established in 1964 and has grown into the largest post-secondary fundraiser in Canada with over 65 schools participating. The U of S first participated in 1966. Shinerama has raised more than $21.8 million for cystic fibrosis research since its creation.

Donations will also be collected through www.shinerama.ca, where direct contributions to the U of S team’s fundraising goal can be made.

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Photo: Jordan Dumba/Photo Editor