Lakehead University Athletes Support Cancer and Cardiac Care in the Community
Published Monday, March 13, 2023
By Haley Werbowetski
The Lakehead University Thunderwolves proudly teamed up with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to raise money in support of exceptional cancer and cardiac care at our Hospital.
The Think Pink Shoot for the Cure campaign took place February 4th and is hosted annually with the other University Women's Basketball teams across Canada. The Lakehead Women's Volleyball team also joined the initiative with their Think Pink Spike for the Cure campaign, which took place on February 10th.
The purpose of the Think Pink campaign is to raise money for cancer research across Canada, with 100% of the proceeds staying local in support of the Northern Cancer Fund. “Community is important to us so knowing that the money we raise makes a difference right here in our backyard is what motivates us to continue this campaign,” says Jaimie Mintenko, Assistant Athletic Director of Lakehead Athletics. “We hope that one day no Canadian has to fear this disease.”
The Lakehead Thunderwolves men’s hockey team also brought back its Jersey Auction in support the local Northern Cardiac Fund. The auction was the most successful one to date having auctioned off the entire team’s specialty jerseys designed by local Indigenous Artist, Ryan Pooman. “The Thunderwolves are always happy to be a part of this event,” says Kody Anton, Coordinator of Hockey Operations at Lakehead. “To see our fans get excited to take a piece of the team home while supporting the community is inspiring and the reason we continue this partnership.”
Overall, both events raised an amazing $9,760 this year for the Northern Cancer Fund and the Northern Cardiac Fund, and the teams will be bringing them back again next year. Donations to both the Northern Cardiac and Northern Cancer Fund can be made throughout the year by visiting http://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/donate or by participating in community events supporting the Health Sciences Foundation.
Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey player Jack Miles and his Father Dave Miles holding one of the specialty jerseys designed by local indigenous artist, Ryan Pooman. The team members’ jerseys were auctioned off in support of local cardiac care.