Vikes Amazing Race raises funds for United Way
If you’re at the University of Victoria campus today, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a small kindness, part of the Vikes’ effort to raise money for the United Way.
Varsity athletes, men’s and women’s teams, will form special teams for what the athletic department calls “The Vikes Amazing Race,” as part of an annual UVic fundraising drive.
“The athletes will be running around campus just doing random acts of kindness, such as opening a door for someone or passing out a cup of hot chocolate,” said Hanna Kim, campaign assistant.
The annual drive, with a slogan this year of “Show Your Local Love,” runs until Dec. 15, with a goal of raising $275,000.
The campaign has invited members of various local causes that receive money from United Way to speak about their work.
The UVic campaign also relies on other events and sales.
There’s the popular Samosa Sale by the co-operative education and career department.
Until Dec. 1, the McPherson Library will sell donated used books (no textbooks or academic journals).
And on Sunday, engineering students pushed an old VW around the UVic Ring Road for hours non-stop in the annual Bug Push.
But for sheer hilarity and good spirits, the UVic Plasma Car Race that ran on Nov. 6 is always huge, says Rachael Scarth, associate vice-president research and campaign chairwoman.
“It just seems to bring out the best in people, trying to sit and operate little cars designed for children,” Scarth said.
“It’s definitely harder than it looks.”