Dearest Gentle Reader,
Lady Yosidown is back, back, back again for another splendid edition of The Asper Scoop. In the blink of an eye, summer is more than half over, yet now is the perfect moment to seize the season and make the most of what is left. Whether you fancy a local concert, the vibrant fringe festival, strawberry picking, or simply a serene nap beneath the open sky, the world is indeed your oyster.
In honour of the gorgeous weather (minus the hail) and the plethora of summer activities,
this month’s theme for The Asper Scoop is “Summer Sun.” I had the pleasure of interviewing Cynthia Tran who has been working tirelessly to ensure that students remain entertained throughout the summer and fall. I also curated a list of 10 exciting summer activities to keep you slaying and serving all season long.
And without further ado, I present to you the July Edition of The Asper Scoop: Summer Sun
Cynthia Tran: Making a Difference With Shinerama
Cynthia Tran has always been passionate about being involved and making a difference. From a young age, she participated in numerous volunteer and event opportunities, including serving on the Community Outreach and Engagement Team for CancerCare Manitoba. Her experience inspired her to get involved when she entered university, hoping to make connections early on. As a freshman, Cynthia joined the First Year Committee as the Fundraising Co-Chair, where she honed her event planning skills and laid the foundations for taking on more leadership roles in the future.
Now, going into her second year at Asper, Cynthia hopes to major in Global Management and Strategy. Determined to stay involved and connected within Asper, she applied for and earned the position of Co-Chair for UM Shinerama alongside Phoebe de Silva. Shinerama is the largest post-secondary fundraiser in Canada, supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Over 35,000 student volunteers from 45 Canadian universities and colleges come together annually to make a difference in the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis. For some background, cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults, primarily impacting the digestive system and lungs.
Shinerama is celebrating 70 years of their campaign, which originally started with a shoe-shining fundraiser, hence the name. Thanks to the hard work of generations of Canadians, there have been significant medical advancements that have made living with cystic fibrosis easier, turning the diagnosis into something other than a death sentence.
As Co-Chairs of the Shinerama committee, Phoebe and Cynthia are responsible for managing the Shinerama team and overseeing the campaign for the University of Manitoba. This year’s goal for the Shinerama committee is to spread as much awareness and education as possible about cystic fibrosis. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of highlighting the educational aspect of the campaign, rather than merely attracting students with food or prizes. While those may be additional bonuses, Cynthia hopes that students truly learn and understand what they are volunteering for or supporting.
One way Shinerama hopes to educate people and create awareness is through their new video series titled “Life with Cystic Fibrosis,” which interviews individuals living with or affected by cystic fibrosis. This series aims to help everyone get a better understanding of the realities of living with this disease.
The Shinerama campaign runs throughout the summer and fall, featuring various programs from pickleball to movie nights and much more! Summertime has been busy for the Shinerama team as they plan many events and fundraisers to engage more with students throughout the summer and fall semesters.
Cynthia’s advice to anyone looking to get involved or take on the Co-Chair position in the future is to never lose sight of the campaign’s purpose. It is crucial to the Shinerama team that education and awareness are at the forefront. Gaining long-lasting volunteers and spreading education about cystic fibrosis is just as important, if not more so, than raising money. Cynthia and Phoebe certainly feel the pressure of upholding the reputation of the Shinerama campaign and are working tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes throughout the year.
The best part about the Shinerama campaign is that it has already started! If you’re unsure of what to do this summer, check out Shinerama’s Hip Hop Drop-in Fundraiser at Drop in Dance Winnipeg on July 27 at 6:30 pm. They will also be hosting a pickleball fundraiser on August 15 at Riverview Community Centre. You can purchase tickets through their Instagram @shinetoba
If you are interested in getting involved this year, there will be several volunteer opportunities and events throughout the summer and fall semester. Follow @shinetoba on Instagram to stay updated. And don’t forget that the campaign is open to students from all faculties, so be sure to spread the word.
10 Ways to Beat Summer Boredom
Winnipeg summers can sometimes feel a bit dull, but fear not, dear reader! I’ve compiled a list of 10 exciting activities occuring throughout the rest of the summer to keep things lively and fun. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new this summer. Let’s carry that enthusiasm into the new academic year and make it one to remember. Here’s to a summer filled with adventure and excitement!
Folklorama Folklorama is a unique opportunity to experience the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival. Spanning from August 4-17, this event features pavilions representing different countries and cultures, offering traditional performances, authentic cuisine, and unique cultural displays. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the world’s cultures and learn something new. (Check out my dad dancing in the Latin American pavilion!)
Fringe Festival Dive into the world of theatre at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, one of North America’s largest fringe festivals. Running from July 17-28, this 12-day event showcases a wide range of performances, from drama and comedy to dance and musicals, featuring local, national, and international artists. With hundreds of shows to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Trivia Nights at The Rec Room Test your knowledge and have a blast with friends at The Rec Room’s Trivia Nights. Held regularly throughout the summer on Tuesday nights, these evenings offer a fun and competitive atmosphere where you can show off your trivia skills. With a variety of themes and topics, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening out and prove that you’re smarter than your friends.
SUPER STAR: Blaze! This geeky-themed drag show on August 3 celebrates all things pop culture, with performances inspired by gaming, anime, cartoons, and convention favourites. Join an enthusiastic community of fans and enjoy spectacular drag performances that bring your favourite characters and stories to life. It’s a must-see event for anyone who loves geek culture and drag. The event is hosted by The Rec Room, making it the perfect spot to grab some drinks and food before the show.
Salsa Sundays Spice up your summer with Salsa Sundays, a vibrant weekly event celebrating Latin dance and music. Held at The Forks, this event invites dancers of all skill levels to enjoy lively salsa music, social dancing, and the infectious rhythms of Latin beats. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, Salsa Sundays offer a fantastic way to connect with the community, learn new moves, and experience the joy of salsa dancing outdoors at True North Square.
Strawberry Picking in Winnipeg Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with strawberry picking in Winnipeg. Several local farms offer the chance to pick your own strawberries, providing a fun and wholesome activity for families, and friends, or a relaxing solo outing. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature, support local agriculture, and indulge in one of summer’s most delightful treats. I recommend making jams or homemade wine if you’re feeling adventurous.
Manitoba Night Festival and Market This event features a lively night market with a variety of vendors offering unique crafts, delicious food, and local products. On August 25, enjoy live entertainment, including music, performances, and interactive activities, all under the stars.
The Beer Can Make the most of your summer nights at The Beer Can, a popular outdoor venue known for hosting a variety of exciting events throughout the season. From silent discos to creative paint nights, there’s always something fun happening. Whether you’re looking to socialize, get creative, or just relax with friends, The Beer Can offers a perfect summer escape with the best tater tots!
Pinawa Lazy River Escape the summer heat with a relaxing float down the Pinawa Lazy River. Located just a short drive from Winnipeg, this scenic river offers a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Grab a tube and let the gentle current carry you through calm waters surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a peaceful and enjoyable activity (unless you’re my mom who manages to pop the tube) for all ages!! Pack a picnic, bring your sunscreen, and get ready to float your cares away on the Pinawa Lazy River.
Support Local Teams Cheer on Winnipeg’s sports teams this summer with games from the Goldeyes, Bombers, Valour FC, and Seabears. Enjoy America’s pastime with the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Shaw Park, experience the intensity of CFL action with the Blue Bombers at IG Field, catch the fast-paced excitement of Valour FC in the Canadian Premier League, or watch the Seabears dominate on the court in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Support local teams and be part of the game-day excitement this season!
See You Next Month <3
And with that, we wrap up our July edition of The Asper Scoop! Thank you to Cynthia Tran for sharing your story with us. And how could I forget about my lovely readers? Thank you for reading, I truly appreciate it, and stay tuned for next month’s edition!
Pookie Out ✌️