Panthers for Change unites new students, community members, and good causes

New UPEI students will be in close contact with the Charlottetown community on Saturday, September 14, as UPEI New Student Orientation (NSO) holds its annual Panthers for Change event. 

The fundraiser usually happens after the first week of class, but the event was pushed out one week due to Hurricane Dorian bearing down on the province. 

NSO coordinator Erin MacNeill said Panthers for Change is a special opportunity for incoming UPEI students to get to know the causes that matter to PEI while connecting with the community. 

“Students will be near and far, spread out across Charlottetown,” MacNeill said. 

Panthers for Change replaced Shine-a-rama in 2016, when students opted to raise money for more local charities. This year, funds donated to Panthers for Change will be given to the Canadian Mental Health Association PEI, the PEERS Alliance, and PEI Family Violence Prevention Services. 

MacNeill said their goal this year is to raise about $4,000, and people are encouraged to give what they can. 

“If we could raise $4,000 or more, that would be fantastic,” she said.