NANAIMO – The 2017 MBA Games, a national business-student competition, will raise funds for the Moose Hide Campaign Development Society, which is working to end violence against Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and children.
The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, based in Montreal, is providing matching funds up to $150,000 as part of its commitment to the Moose Hide Campaign. This marks the first time in the MBA Games’ 30-year history that an organization has offered to match funds raised for charity.
“Creating a safe society for everyone, including women and children – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – is the responsibility of all,” says Stephen Huddart, President and CEO of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation. “That’s why we’re pleased to support the MBA Games’ fundraising efforts that will contribute to the Moose Hide Campaign’s important mission.”
The MBA Games will be held in Nanaimo from Jan. 2-4, 2017, marking the first time that the annual event is hosted in BC. It features business students from universities across Canada who gather to compete in academic, team sport and spirit competitions.
As part of the spirit competitions, participating schools also fundraise to support charities – such as the Moose Hide Campaign, which is the charity partner for the 2017 event.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation,” says Omar Karim, Chairman of the MBA Games Organizing Committee and a VIU alum. “Its matching efforts will provide invaluable support for the vital anti-violence work that’s being undertaken on behalf of the MBA Games and the Moose Hide Campaign.”
Last year’s MBA Games raised $69,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada; of that amount, VIU MBA students raised about $32,000.