Charity is one of many components that separates JDC West from every other business case competition. In keeping with the spirit of JDC West, which in the past has collectively raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, each year we aim to surpass the totals raised by previous years.
We strongly believe in the importance of giving back. Moreover, we believe that JDC West provides us with a platform to unite the for-profit and not-for-profit business worlds. The Charity Partnerships within our community, both large and small scale, are an integral part of developing the future leaders of tomorrow. Charity and community activism is important to showcase and foster a sense of community stewardship shared by students competing at JDC West.
Each and every November, the 12 JDC West teams throughout Western Canada courageously step up to take a dip in the frigid waters of the Chillin’ 4 Charity dunk tank, all for a good cause. On November 14, our SFU JDC West team along with Rosanne Wan and Head Coach Sean Peters took the icy plunge into the dunk tank to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Fortunately for the team, the weather cooperated with glimpses of sunlight through the overcast and last year’s blizzard like weather was nowhere in sight.
Throughout the day everyone took their turn on the “cold seat”, anxiously awaiting a dip in the icy waters below. Many of whom decided to tank the plunge in costume, and I think I speak for the entire team and many of the bystanders that seeing our very own Rosanne Wan in a cow suit provided a good laugh.
Beyond the costumes, the cheering and the spirit of Chillin’ 4 Charity, another highlight would have been seeing Maureen Fizzell dunk our team. All it took was one throw, and a big splash followed.
The lively crowd throughout the day was heart warming not only in allowing us to have one of the best turn-outs in Chillin’ 4 Charity history, but it showed the overwhelming support from our peers.
Many of the passer-byers throughout the day looked baffled and rather distraught at the thought of jumping into freezing cold water. For us, it was entirely worth it! For me, I live for these kinds of things, and this is why I have grown so passionate about JDC West.
Aside from battling it out to win School of the Year, Charity is one aspect of JDC West that allows us to work towards a common goal. Moreover, it allows our fellow peers to be apart of the team, in achieving that goal. The goal of making a lasting impact on the community.
Although the jury is still out on how much we raised, as there are still pledges coming in, it was surely one of our best Chillin’ 4 Charities yet. You made us proud with the love and support and now we hope that we will continue to make you proud and bring home that over-sized trophy come January. Rock Steady!