The Brock Badgers are holding a ‘Pink Weekend’ campaign with all proceeds being donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The funds will go towards groundbreaking breast cancer research, compassionate support services, trusted cancer information, advocacy, as well as programs such as the Wheels of Hope Transportation program and Community Resource and Wig Room.

“Those are two vital programs I see every day through our Niagara Community Office as having a huge impact within our community,” said Community Fundraising Specialist Michelle McIntyre of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Niagara Community Office. “Without the support of compassionate students, faculty and alike, none of these things would be possible. Every single dollar makes a difference in the life of a person dealing with cancer, and Brock’s long standing support has been instrumental.”

Festivities kickoff Friday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. when the Brock men’s and women’s volleyball teams host the Trent Excalibur in the Bob Davis Gymnasium.

“Breast cancer affects everybody, so it’s important that we take time away from our busy lives to pay attention to this cause,” said women’s volleyball Head Coach Steve Delaney. “It’s a fantastic initiative. It’s an important part for our culture at Brock University to know that we’re more than just students, athletes, sports teams, teachers and professors. We’re people who care.”

The No. 9 women’s basketball team will also be hosting their annual Shoot for the Cure fundraiser game when they host the No. 6 Windsor Lancers on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.

“I’m appreciative of having this cause associated with Brock women’s basketball,” said women’s basketball Head Coach Mike Rao. “Cancer is affecting more lives and families each year. An awareness of this illness is paramount to finding a cure.”

Last season, the Brock women’s basketball team helped raise money for U SPORTS’ Shoot for the Cure fundraising initiative. The national campaign has proven to be an overwhelming success since it was launched in 2007 with more than $1.25 million in donations to the Canadian Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives. The campaign includes all 47 U SPORTS women’s basketball teams.

“It gives our team an understanding of what is truly important in our lives,” said Rao. “Basketball is a small part of life. Health and helping those survive cancer, serves the greater needs of the community and society as a whole.”

An estimated 26,300 Canadian women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Cancer knows no boundaries and breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women,” said McIntyre. “Today we know that one in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and more than 25,000 Canadian women are diagnosed each year. That’s just diagnosed, not to mention all the women going through their cancer journey every single day. With these numbers, chances are that someone you know has been effected by breast cancer and that effects all of us.”

At Seymour-Hannah Arena, the women’s hockey team will wear pink sweaters when they face off against the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:15 p.m.

Weekend preview

Women’s hockey – Badgers host the No. 4 Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Seymour-Hannah Arena. Puck drop is 7:15 p.m. (tickets available here).

Women’s volleyball – The No. 7 Badgers (7-2), who are off to one of the best starts in program history, host a wide spectrum of teams as the Trent Excalibur (1-8) arrive on Friday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. (tickets available here) and the No. 4 Ryerson Rams on Sunday, Jan.19 at 2 p.m. (tickets available here).

Men’s volleyball – The Badgers will attempt to climb above .500 when they host two OUA East opponents versus winless Trent (0-8) on Friday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. (tickets available here) and second-place Ryerson on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. (tickets available here).

Women’s basketball – Badgers host the women’s Shoot for the Cure fundraiser against the Windsor Lancers at Bob Davis Gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. (tickets available here).

Men’s basketball – With identical records, the Badgers (7-6) will host the men’s Shoot for the Cure fundraiser against the Windsor Lancers of the OUA West at Bob Davis Gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. (tickets available here).