Monday, December 10, 2012

BURNABY, BC - The Simon Fraser University student-athlete advisory committee took some time away from their busy schedules to make a difference in their community this fall raising money for Make-a-Wish Canada and running a food drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

The 25-athlete committee, comprising of representatives from each varsity sport, has a mission of enhancing the total student-athlete experience by providing social and academic opportunities for all student-athletes; ensuring student-athlete prosperity through effective communication between the athletic body and the administration; and fostering a positive student-athlete image within the community.

Over the past two months the Clan SAAC has raised over $700.00 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the charity of choice of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and the NCAA Division II.

The SAAC has begun hosting bake sales at Clan home basketball games, selling homemade treats made by student-athletes, with all proceeds going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Canada.

“Raising money for Make-a-Wish Canada is extremely important to us, and now that we are full members of the NCAA and the GNAC we need to start matching our opponents in more than just athletic competitions,” said SAAC President Trisha Bouchard.  

Giving back in the community is also an important part of the SAAC's mission, and this year the SAAC hosted their first “Let's Can Hunger” food drive.

Proceeds went to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, and the student-athletes filled 18 boxes of non-perishable food items that were donated to the program.

“This year our efforts with the food drive were mostly internal, with donations coming mostly from athletes and their families,” continued Bouchard.  “We hope to host the food drive again next year and grow it to engage more people."

In two short months the Clan SAAC has made a dent in their fundraising goals for the 2012-13 season, but do not plan on stopping there, with more bake sales and community events planned for the New Year.  

To find out more about the SFU Student Athlete Advisory Committee and to keep up to date with events, programs and fundraisers follow them on Twitter @SFU_SAAC or follow this link to their website: http://at.sfu.ca/Jdgrwm