As UBC Thunderbirds, we try to support our local communities and important causes whenever we can. Below are a few examples of our efforts.
Shoot for the Cure
Since it launched in 2007, UBC Thunderbird athletes and staff have joined the fundraising efforts in the fight against cancer as part of U SPORTS’
Shoot for the Cure initiative. Over $1 million in donations has been raised by schools across Canada since its inception. Annually, we dedicate a weekend of Women's Basketball games to raise funds and to raise awareness for this great cause.
Pride Night
UBC Thunderbirds host an annual Pride Night with an evening of volleyball games dedicated to celebrating the inclusive environment at UBC and to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. For this event we have been partnering with the
Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association which encourages members to attend the event, and leads fundraising throughout the evening for important pride-related causes like Rainbow Refugees.
Athlete Mental Health Hub
In 2017, UBC Athletics & Recreation launched a ground-breaking mental health and performance portal,
ubcathleteshub.ca in conjunction with Dr. John Ogrodniczuk and his lab group with the UBC Department of Psychiatry. Intended to provide tools and resources for UBC student athletes, and inspired by and modeled on the Athletes Connected program at the University of Michigan, UBC Athletes Hub was developed by the UBC Psychotherapy Program in collaboration with the department of Athletics and UBC Counselling Services. The site aims to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma of seeking help, and to promote general health and wellness among varsity athletes.
