Meet two veteran Shuffle walkathon fundraisers

“As co-chairs we’re trying to see how many different ways we can raise awareness of the Shuffle. We’re also looking at different approaches to raise additional funds to support our students,” says Ostiguy.

She hopes to encourage more students to participate by making a challenge gift. For every student who participates, she has pledged to give an extra $2 to the cause. “The more students who walk, the better it is for raising awareness and funds to support students — and the more money I’ll have to donate,” she says.  

Challenge gifts offer an incentive to motivate others to participate in the Shuffle. People can pledge to donate a dollar amount for each person from a specific cohort who registers to walk. In 2017, $6,000 were raised through challenge gifts alone, bringing the year’s Shuffle total to $110,000.

Supporting our students

“It’s always important for as many people as possible to get involved in supporting students,” Ostiguy says. “Shuffle is an excellent way for groups to come together while promoting the idea of health and wellness by having a physical activity as a community event.”

Besides the main goal of raising critical funds for students, Shuffle is an opportunity for the Concordia community to mingle and meet new people, colleagues or classmates.

“What probably resonates the most with me are the very interesting conversations I’ve had over the years with fellow Shufflers as we made our way over to Loyola. Having the time to chat about things other than work issues — finding out about their personal lives, families, hobbies — made me appreciate how rich the Concordia community is,” says Côté.

He adds, “If there’s anything I can do for nice weather on September 28, I’ll do that — but rain or shine, we’ll be there!”

Shuffle is organized by Advancement and Alumni Relations and a volunteer advisory committee.