The feeling of being a Kodiak can last a lifetime. From the time Lethbridge College student-athletes first step foot on the field, course, track or court, they become part of something bigger. It’s a community that teaches life skills, the pursuit of athletic excellence, academic accountability and involvement in the community.
Now the Kodiaks are asking for support from that community and beyond as the My Kodiaks Moments giving campaign reaches its final week. The campaign is approaching its goal of raising $10,000 for athletic scholarships for student-athletes, but, like a cross country runner chasing down an opponent with the finish line in sight, it needs a final push to get there.
“We’ve already seen such a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, but just a little bit more would go a long way to improving the lives of our student-athletes,” says Todd Caughlin, manager of Kodiaks Athletics. “I encourage anyone else who sees the value in the opportunities provided by post-secondary athletics to give to help ease the burden on our students.”
Kodiaks student-athletes are strongly encouraged to focus on academics and community involvement, in addition to their athletic pursuits. Kodiaks student-athletes continually post grade point averages equal to, or better than, Lethbridge College’s general student population. Former Kodiaks say their time in the program taught them invaluable life skills such as time management, leadership, working as a team and overcoming adversity.
All money raised from the My Kodiaks Moments campaign goes directly to athletic scholarships. Funds can be given to a specific team or provided to the athletics program as a whole. Every $50 that is donated enters the donor in a draw for great Kodiaks prizes and also qualifies them for the grand prize draw of a free week at a Kodiaks summer camp.
The campaign was boosted by a $5,000 gift from noted philanthropist Flora Matteotti, on behalf of herself and her late husband Val. All admission donations from the inaugural Kodiaks alumni weekend on Nov. 23 and 24 also went directly to the campaign.
“Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. You are making a difference and our student-athletes appreciate the support,” says Caughlin.
The Kodiaks are hoping to meet or exceed the $10,000 goal by the end of the campaign on Dec. 6. Complete details and the opportunity to make a My Kodiaks Moments donation are available at lethpolytech.ca/give.
Follow the campaign and share your own Kodiaks moments by engaging with the Kodiaks through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.