Rivalry hockey game raises $200,000 for cancer research

Cure Cancer Classic organizers celebrate after raising more than $450,000 for cancer research during the current campaign. (Supplied Photo/Jackie Li)

The organizing team from the Cure Cancer Classic – a student-run, not-for-profit initiative – wrapped up an incredible year of fundraising with the annual Commerce-Engineering Rivalry Game on Thursday, March 2 at the Leon’s Centre.

With nearly 5,000 fans filling the arena, rival hockey teams made up of students from the Smith School of Business and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science battled it out for a good cause. While the Commerce team came out on top 4-0, the real winner was the Canadian Cancer Society and cancer research, with more than $200,000 being raised from the game.

Approximately 5,000 students and fans filled the Leon's Centre. (Supplied Photo/Jackie Li)

“It was truly inspiring to watch 5,000 Queen's students, alumni, faculty members, and local community members passionately come together on a night that raised $200,053 and spread awareness for cancer research,” say Amy Janes and Robert Hume, this year’s Cure Cancer Classic co-chairs. “The energy in the building was both electric and heartwarming, with the highlight being when Bria, a young cancer survivor, dropped the ceremonial puck.”

Through organizing a number of sporting events – including the rivalry game, a golf tournament, and two hockey tournaments – the Cure Cancer Classic team has raised more that $450,000 this year and topped the $1 million mark overall.

Created in 2005 by a group of Smith School of Business commerce students, the dedicated team of volunteers has continued to raise funds by hosting the events. Through a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, Cure Cancer Classic is helping fund cancer research at the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG), headquartered at Queen’s.

Members of the Commerce team line up before puck drop at the Commerce-Engineering Rivalry Game. (Supplied Photo/Jackie Li)

This article was originally written by Communications Staff at Queen's Gazette and posted on March 14, 2023. You can find the original article here.