KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBCO Heat varsity and competitive club programs enjoyed an incredibly successful Giving Day on Wednesday, April 8 as the 10 Heat team funds raised close nearly $170,000 thanks to the generous donations of many tied to the Heat community.
 
In an incredible show of support, close to 700 donors stepped up to raise $168,258 during the 24-hour fundraising event that featured funds for 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.
 
That number meant that UBCO Heat Athletics finished as the top-ranked unit across all units participating in UBC Giving Day in both Vancouver and in the Okanagan for the second year in a row.
 
Heat teams were able to unlock each of their individual challenge gifts, provided by a number of generous donors, while both men's soccer and women's basketball were able to unlock UBCO overall challenge gifts.
 
"I'd like to thank all donors for their incredible support of Heat Athletics," said Steve Manuel, Heat Interim Director, Varsity Athletics. "The sheer number of individual donations as well as the overall amount raised is a testament to the incredible community support that we receive."
 
"I also want to acknowledge the incredible work that our student-athletes and coaches put into the community year after year," added Manuel. "This continues to be a win-win relationship and all donations will be applied to directly benefit our student-athletes."
 
In total, four Heat teams are currently sitting with over $20,000 raised, led by the men's soccer team as the top fundraiser at $30,050. 
 
While Giving Day is now over, all teams are still accepting donations. To donate and to view complete donation totals, visit givingday.ubc.ca.