On Jan. 17, the TRU women’s basketball team hosted its annual Shoot for the Cure game–an annual charity initiative aiming to unite communities and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Every year, 36 university sports teams across Canada take part, each hosting its own fundraising events. This year, the WolfPack hosted their Shoot for the Cure during their final home game of the season against the UBC Thunderbirds and raised over $1,000.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a charity that funds cancer research and supports people undergoing treatment. Shoot for the Cure was created in partnership with the U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Coaches Association to unite fans and student-athletes around a common cause. Although it centres on women’s basketball, other teams such as volleyball and soccer have also begun participating. Since its launch in 2007, Shoot for the Cure has raised over $2 million.
This year’s Shoot for the Cure game, the WolfPack women’s basketball team sought to use its platform to raise more awareness for the cause. Planning the event was a cooperative endeavour between the ‘Pack staff and players to build partnerships, promote the event, and ensure game day ran smoothly. Third-year guard Sydney Vollrath was among the players who helped organize the game. She assisted with communication between staff and players to ensure the event’s vision remained intact and that everyone involved was aligned with the game’s purpose, uniting the community for a cause bigger than themselves.
“You could definitely feel the energy and the support in the gym. This year’s Shoot for the Cure game felt like it brought together the athletes, the staff and the supporters in a really intentional way, unlike a usual home game,” Vollrath said.
For the 2026 Shoot for the Cure campaign, the WolfPack implemented online donation acceptance in addition to cash donations at the door, making giving more accessible to all attendees. Additionally, they offered a 50/50 raffle to spark more engagement and donations.
According to Vollrath, the ‘Pack raised a much larger sum than in years past, and the team is confident the event will continue to grow each year.
The organizers focused on publicity, working alongside the WolfPack’s media teams to promote the game on social media. The additional publicity paid off, resulting in a stronger turnout than at a typical home game.
Vollrath recognizes that the event’s impact can extend beyond the amount of money raised.
“The main goal is always impact, raising awareness and bringing people together. If people left the game feeling connected to the cause and proud to be a part of it, we viewed that as a success,” Vollrath said.
She also notes its impact on the team.
“It’s a powerful reminder of the responsibility we take on as student athletes, to use our platform in a meaningful way. This event allows the WolfPack itself to strengthen our bond within the community and with each other,” she said.
Vollrath hopes people see and understand how sports can serve as a platform for positive change. Small contributions, such as attending fundraisers or simply learning about the cause, can still drive significant change.
Although the WolfPack lost the game 72-66, they still feel the last home game of the season was a positive note to end on.
“It’s definitely bittersweet, but we’re really proud of the growth we’ve had this season and being able to finish our home schedule on Shoot for the Cure night really made it meaningful,” Vollrath said.
To support Shoot for the Cure and learn about its impact, visit cancer.ca.