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The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panther basketball and hockey teams are partnering to proudly support the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ women's basketball ‘Shoot for the Cure' fundraiser. The seventh annual event takes place on Saturday, February 8 as the women's basketball team hosts CIS number two-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies at 3:00 pm.

‘Shoot for the Cure' is a national fundraising initiative by the CIS women's basketball coaches association to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and other related charities. The campaign has been overwhelmingly successful since it first launched in 2007, with over $600,000 raised. Last season, for the second year in a row, all CIS women's basketball teams participated in the fundraiser.

The entire Panther team is involved in the local fundraising effort, with a committee led by ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ fourth-year women's basketball players Danielle MacDonald and Jenna Jones. The fundraising goal has been set at $3,000 to be achieved through activities such as Shoot for the Cure t-shirts, paper icons, and a bake sale, a 50/50 draw, and other Panther team initiatives.

'This Saturday means a lot to me, as well as to my team, because we have all been touched by cancer in some way or another,' said Jones. 'This weekend is our way of giving back and supporting the people that have been most affected.'

MacDonald has shown wonderful personal commitment in her support for breast cancer research, pledging to cut eight inches of her hair in support of her individual fundraising activity, 'Shave for the Brave.'

'Being a part of this weekend means so much to the team and to me. Donating my hair and the money raised makes me feel like I am giving a small part back for a great cause,' said MacDonald. After the men's basketball game, player Geoff Doane will join MacDonald and shave his head in support of the cause. For more information on MacDonald's goal, visit .

Both ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ hockey teams are supporting the cause through their 'Pink at the Rink' promotion. The hockey teams will wear special jerseys and host fundraising activities throughout the night. Women's captain Ferran Brown and men's assistant captain Matthew Maoine will lead hockey efforts.

''Pink at the Rink' means a great deal to the women's hockey team, currently a teammate's mother is battling breast cancer and we want to support her and others that have been affected,' said Brown. 'We want to help raise funds and awareness, and show that people do not have to go through this battle alone.'

The fundraiser hits close to home for Maoine who commented, 'The reason why I am so passionate with this fundraiser is because my grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and I know how much it can impact a family, and how important it is to support this worthy cause.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ encourages all Panther fans to come out and support the men's and women's basketball and hockey fundraising initiatives and watch some great sports action! Go Panthers Go!

Saturday, February 8 schedule:
3:00 pm (W) Basketball vs. SMU
3:30 pm (W) Hockey vs. SMU
5:00 pm (M) Basketball vs. SMU
7:00 pm (M) Hockey vs. STU

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca