Metro Vancouver, B.C. – The KPU Eagles women’s basketball team is taking on its toughest opponent yet: breast cancer.
The Kwantlen Polytechnic University team is hosting a game night fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s (CBCF) B.C./Yukon chapter on Friday, Jan. 24 in a double header that will see both the women’s and men’s teams host the Capilano University Blues.
Fans will be able to support CBCF by purchasing a pink T-shirt for $10, and ribbons, pens and bracelets by donation. In addition, spectators can bid on silent auction items and donate their game-night admission to CBCF.
“The women’s team deserves a lot of credit for putting this together,” says David Kent, KPU’s new director of recreation and athletics. “In my experience, student athletes don’t have a lot of time to spare, but they made the time for this because it’s important.”
While breast cancer mortality rates have decreased, incidence rates among Canadian women have remained the same since the late 1990s. One in nine women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
Evidence shows that one-third of breast cancers are preventable through diet, maintaining a healthy body weight and regular physical activity.
“As athletes, the KPU Eagles women’s players are not only supporting the fight against breast cancer through this fundraiser – they are ambassadors for reducing the risk of cancer through healthy living,” notes the CBCF’s Anna da Cunha, fund development officer.
KPU’s double-header in support of the CBCF is Friday, Jan. 24 in the Bird’s Nest (the KPU Surrey gym, 12666 72nd Ave.). Tipoff for the women’s game is 6 p.m. A silent auction featuring Vancouver Canucks and Abbotsford Heat tickets, among other items, will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Tickets to the game are $5 for adults and $2 for students.
Items for the silent auction will be accepted until game day. Local businesses or organizations wishing to donate can contact David Kent by email at david.kent@kpu.ca or call 604-599-2005.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses — Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley — offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: KPU Eagles women’s basketball players (from left) Christina Brown, Shilpa Khanna, Amber Lee Kavanagh, Laura Geissert and Samantha McPhail will don pink shirts and hit the court in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Jan. 24. Fans can also register support by purchasing a pink T-shirt for $10, and ribbons, pens and bracelets by donation.
For more information, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
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