KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat enjoyed an incredibly successful Giving Day on Thursday, April 4 as thanks to the generous donations of many tied to the Heat community, the 10 team funds combined to raise close to $160,000.
 
In an incredible show of support of the Heat teams, over 400 donors stepped up to raise $87,945 during the 24-hour fundraising event that featured funds for Heat men's basketball, women's basketball, golf, cross country, men's rugby, women's soccer, men's soccer, women's softball, women's volleyball and men's volleyball.
 
Following Giving Day, it was announced that the Stober Foundation, a Kelowna-based philanthropic organization, had stepped up to chip in an additional $7500 for the 10 Heat funds, raising an additional $75,000 and bringing the fundraising total to $157,945.
 
"I'm extremely grateful to our community of support for their incredible investment in what our student-athletes do each and every day," commented Heat director of athletics and recreation Tom Huisman. "Our team and individual donors set a new Giving Day record for us on Thursday, and then the Stober Foundation doubles that amount with an epic gift supporting all our teams. What an incredible day."
 
"I wanted to thank all of the donors to Heat athletics for their incredible generosity," stated men's volleyball team captain Téo Ardanaz. "These donations are so impactful on all of our programs as the money goes towards enhancing our experience as student-athletes. Whether it's new jerseys, travel attire, performance equipment or exhibition play, the impact of this money is felt and appreciated by all members of the Heat community."
 
"On behalf of UBC Okanagan men's rugby and the wider Heat athletics community, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who supported us on Giving Day," added team captain Nicholas Gray, whose men's rugby team led the way on Giving Day, raising just shy of $20,000. "Giving Day is essential in running our program as it helps to alleviate the cost burden to the players and allows them to focus on being their very best on the field and in the classroom."

 
The overwhelming support was also highlighted by the fact that all 18 Giving Day challenges associated with Heat programs were unlocked over the course of the 24-hour period. Additionally, Heat teams also unlocked four other UBC-wide challenges with men's soccer unlocking the First Gift of the Day challenge, women's soccer unlocking the Last Gift of the Day challenge and golf unlocking both the Coffee Buzz challenge and the Furthest Supporter challenge.