[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/shinerama07.jpg” caption=”Shinerama has raised more than $16 million for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.”]For more than 30 years, McMaster students have participated in Shinerama, a national fundraiser for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and this year is no exception. They hope to raise $35,000 toward a national goal of more than $1 million for cystic fibrosis research.

Shinerama is Canada's largest post-secondary school fundraiser, involving students from more than 60 universities and colleges. The campaign began in 1964, and has raised over $16 million for the CCFF.

McMaster students will be out in the community on Saturday, Sept. 8 collecting donations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of the community can help support the cause by having their cars washed or shoes shined at one of many shine locations throughout Hamilton and surrounding areas of Ancaster, Dundas and Burlington.

McMaster students will also be participating in a Car Shine-Off in Westdale Village after the McMaster Marauder football game at around 4:30 p.m. Students will compete within their residence to clean paint-covered cars, which have been generously donated by local companies and individuals for the event.

In addition, the School of Nursing and the MSU are hosting a Hopscotch-A-Thon for cystic fibrosis on Friday, Sept. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Fortinos on 1579 Main St. W.

More than 100 nursing students from McMaster, Mohawk and Conestoga will be hopscotching down a 100-square hopscotch for two hours straight to raise $6,500 for cystic fibrosis research.

Cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs and digestive system, is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians. When Shinerama began just over four decades ago, most children with the disease did not live long enough to attend kindergarten. Today, half of all Canadians with cystic fibrosis may expect to live to the age of 37, or even longer.

Special thanks to this year's national sponsors, which include Hbc, CliffsNotes, Jelly Belly, Mac's Convenience Stores, MuchMusic, Tana and Rogers Wireless. Local sponsors include Caledonia Transport, McMaster's Office of the President, Alumni Association and the McMaster Students Union.