KINGSTON, Ont. (Jan. 30, 2023) – Queen's Women's Basketball is proud to participate in the Shoot for the Cure fundraiser again this season.

Organized since 2007 in collaboration with the U SPORTS Women's Basketball Coaches' Association, Shoot for the Cure raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and other related local and provincial charities to help fight breast cancer.

Queen's Women's Basketball Shoot for the Cure donation page

"Cancer is incredibly prevalent in our society. Statistically, two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime," said Gaels forward Bridget Mulholland. "Consequently, the Shoot for the Cure initiative means different things to different people. Our goal is to create a space where there is room for all personal meaning to exist simultaneously. I think I would be remiss if I erased all individualization with a blanket statement. Personally, I feel a responsibility towards humanity. I think we are charged with creating a better world for all who live in it. I believe that participating in the Shoot for the Cure initiative is a way to do just that."

The Gaels Shoot for the Cure Game will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. in the Athletics and Recreation Centre against the Ottawa Gee-Gees. After virtual events for the fundraiser the past two seasons due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event will return to the court this season.

"As a team that values in-person interactions, we are grateful to be able to tie this initiative to a game again this year," Mulholland continued. "We also recognize that individuals may not be able to make it out to an in-person event because of COVID-19. It is our hope that the combination of adherence to public health guidelines and individual social responsibility will lead to a future where it is safe for everyone to attend our Shoot for the Cure game."

Mulholland and the Gaels participated in 'Power Hour' initiatives the past two seasons, where each student-athlete on the team chose an exercise to perform, asking people to donate a set amount of dollars for each rep they were able to complete in the hour. The team raised more than $7,000 each year during the event.

"Our fundraising will look a little different this year, with most of it taking place during our Shoot for the Cure game against Ottawa. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. The winning ticket number(s) will be announced during half time at the men's game. Our coach, Claire Meadows, will also include a donation that is double the number  of points we score in the game. We encourage others to do the same. Donations can be made at the door, at the canteen, and anytime before or during the game on our Shoot for the Cure Donation page.

48 U SPORTS Women's Basketball programs across Canada are taking part in the Shoot for the Cure initiative. This year the campaign aims to raise $100,000 collectively.

"Historically, women's sports leagues have been defined by the collective, consistent, and unified movement of players and coaches," said Mulholland. "A great example of this is the WNBA. Our league is no different. This is why the Shoot for the Cure initiative continues to be so successful. Having said that, everything is a competition. Our goal is to raise the most amount of money across all U SPORTS teams."

Tickets for Queen's Women's Basketball game against the Gee-Gees can be purchased on the Queen's Gaels Tickets website.