KELOWNA, B.C. - U SPORTS announced Wednesday that the 19th edition of Shoot for the Cure aims to raise $100,000 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and awareness, Shoot for the Cure has become a longstanding tradition in Canadian university sport, uniting athletes, coaches and fans around a common cause. 

"I am very excited that Shoot For The Cure is back for another year. It is always special to see how engaged student athletes are across the country for this annual initiative," said Jeff Speedy, Director of Athletics at University of New Brunswick and Shoot for the Cure Project Manager. "It was very exciting to surpass the $2,000,000 mark last year. This year, it would be great if we could get back to all 48 U SPORTS Women's Basketball teams participating in Shoot For The Cure. That would make this year's version of Shoot For The Cure a very special one." 

Since its inception in 2007, in collaboration with the U SPORTS Women's Basketball Coaches' Association, Shoot for the Cure has raised over $2 million in donations for the Canadian Cancer Society and other related local and provincial charities to help fight breast cancer. 

The 2025-26 U SPORTS women's basketball breast cancer fundraising campaign will take place from January 21 to February 1, 2026, featuring a mix of virtual and in-person events. UBCO will host their in-person event on Friday, January 30 when they take on the Victoria Vikes at the UBCO Gymnasium.

"We are incredibly grateful to U SPORTS and excited for another year of an ambitious and impactful fundraising target for Shoot for the Cure," said Doug Kane, Director of Independent Fundraising and Sports Alliances, Canadian Cancer Society. "Supporting this season's campaign will enable Canadian scientists to pursue the most promising research in preventing, detecting and treating breast cancer." 

U SPORTS is also proud to launch the Shoot for the Cure Collection, a limited-time online merchandise store running from January 21 to February 4. Proceeds from every item sold will directly support funding for Shoot for the Cure, helping advance cancer research and awareness initiatives across the country.

The Shoot for the Cure Collection is available for a limited time at shop.usports.ca with every purchase supporting Shoot for the Cure. 

The 2024-25 campaign surpassed its fundraising goal and raised over $122,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society and related local and provincial charities. 

Donations can be made to the Heat's team fundraising page to help the program reach their goal of raising $1500.