Shuffle preview: Meet 4 teams of phenomenal fundraisers
Faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters have united to raise more than $2.9 million for a variety of designations at Concordia since Shuffle launched in 1990.
With Shuffle around the corner, a record number of Concordians have pledged to walk, run or bike in support of students.
Faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters have united to raise more than $2.9 million for a variety of designations at Concordia since Shuffle launched in 1990.
The 2024 edition of Shuffle is extra special. As Concordia celebrates five decades under the banner of 50 Years: Forever Forward, Shuffle will eclipse the $3-million mark in total funds raised.
On Friday, September 20, Concordians will trek the 6.5-kilometres between Sir George Williams Campus and Loyola Campus, where a special 50th-anniversary barbecue will await.
Here are four Shuffle teams to look out for this year:
Taking Care of Business
Led by Food Services manager Oliver de Volpi, Taking Care of Business raised $5,670 for the Emergency Meal Plan Program last year — their first as a team — funding meal plans for more than 60 students.
Shuffle is more than just a team-building activity — it’s a powerful way to unite and make a difference, says de Volpi.
“Demand for the Emergency Meal Plan Program has surged while funding options have dwindled,” he notes. “The good news is that Shuffle almost doubles the funds available to support students facing food insecurity.
“The program provides meal vouchers and plans to eight departments, directly supporting students in need. When a student faces hunger, Hospitality ensures they receive a voucher to tide them over. All of the funds raised or donated go directly towards combating food insecurity on campus.”
Taking Care of Business also consists of Concordia staffers Alana Mota, BComm 16, Christina Souliere, Cert 15, Claire Stuffins, Gabriella Criniti, Linda D’Angelo, Melanie Burnett, Petra Alves, BComm 05, MBA 11, Ricardo Guy, Sabrina Lavoie, BComm 00, GrDip 03, MBA 18, and Steven Zulkarnain.
GCS EDI Trekkers
This team of Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science supporters — co-captained by dean Mourad Debbabi and Concordia co-chancellor Gina Cody, MEng 81, PhD 89 — raised close to $12,000 to support equity, diversity and inclusion at the faculty in 2023.
The impressive tally was a significant jump from the previous year, when the Trekkers raised just under $9,000.
As a result of the team’s fundraising prowess, two students have recently benefited from critical assistance that will empower them to pursue their educational goals at Concordia.
At the conclusion of last year’s Shuffle, the namesake of the Gina Cody School shared her pride on social media:
“The GCS EDI Trekkers surpassed our goal, raising well over $11,000 for the GCS EDI Award, which will support students from underrepresented backgrounds.
“Shuffle is an excellent opportunity to connect with the dynamic community at Gina Cody School, and I am grateful for it. Bravo to the event organizers and the entire Concordia University community!”
Staffers Michelle Miatello, Nikki Vidal, Rhonda Binsley, BA 05, and Vincent Allaire play a key role in organizing the GCS EDI Trekkers team.
Facilities Footsteps
Led by Sylvie Gendron, who serves as administrative coordinator with Facilities Management, this veteran squad of Shufflers welcomed a champion fundraiser in 2022 in the form of Hardial Rosner, BA 13.
Currently on maternity leave from her job as administrative coordinator of Property Management, Rosner raised more than $5,600 for student scholarships and other designations at Shuffle 33 — her first. She earned the Shuffler of the Year award for her efforts.
“I have a lot of family friends who are union people and are always happy to provide support where they can,” says Rosner, who plans to shuffle with her baby this year.
“Concordia is my alma mater, but I didn’t know a lot about Shuffle as a student. When I joined the university as an employee, it sounded like fun, and I really got into it!”
Facilities Footsteps also includes staffers Kat Messina, BA 11, and Rosie Elman.
The Pacemakers
This powerhouse team raised almost $15,000 last year, the most of any group of Shuffle 34 participants. Captain Kathleen Perry was named Shuffler of the Year.
Funds raised by the Pacemakers directly support the Concordia University Retired Faculty and Staff Scholarships and Awards Endowment, which provides more than $36,000 in annual assistance.
The endowment is the result of an agreement between the university and the Concordia University Pensioners Association (CUPA). It provides in-course, cross-faculty support to graduate and undergraduate students in the name of the institution’s retired employees.
Perry’s Pacemakers team consists of Mike Babin, Joanne Beaudoin, BA 83, Barbara Black, Anne Brown, Craig Buchanan, Bryan Campbell, Angela Ghadban, Cynthia Hedrich, BA 98, Katherine Hedrich, Karin Hilker, BA 79, Tim Lapin, BSc 84, BCompSc 89, Catherine MacKenzie, Vincent MacDougall, Graham Maisonneuve, Ann McLaughlin, Garry Milton, Maria Mota, Sylvia Ruby, Hilary Scuffell, BA 87, Sandra-Lynn Spina, BA 90, Larry Tansey, Cameron Tilson, BSc 82, Lina Uberti, Veronique Verthuy, BA 04.
Shuffle with us on September 20. Sign up as an individual or join a team.