Durham College (DC) student-athletes continue their commitment to the local community through fundraising and community events. The DC Athletics department is involved in a variety of community initiatives, providing a great experience for the athletes by encouraging them to lend a helping hand.
 
Fundraising events
This season, the women’s softball team stepped up to the plate and gave back to multiple causes through their 50/50 draws held each game. Those groups included the Canadian Cancer Society – Durham Region and the ALS Society, in addition to providing funds for treatment for Maria Iurato, cousin of Lords catcher Justine Pike. The softball team also donated items to the Whitby Salvation Army Food Bank and the Denise House in Oshawa.
 
In September, the men’s baseball team fundraised for Play Global, an organization that teaches baseball to coaches and youth in developing countries and areas of conflict, using baseball as a way to help kids see past their differences, respect others and play as a team. The Lords not only raised a monetary donation for the charity, but collected equipment to send to Uganda.

The women’s volleyball team made raising funds and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Chapter a priority this season. Heading into the winter break, the team is approaching $500 raised and will continue with raffles and other initiatives in the New Year. At Christmastime they also collected toys to donate to the YWCA Durham’s annual toy collection.
 
Community events
The Lords participated in a number of community events this season, including the Terry Fox Run in Oshawa, the 10th Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
 
The Athletics department was also involved with the 2015 Pan Am Games at multiple venues in various volunteer roles. Women’s volleyball alumnae, Alana McNeill, was part of the volleyball staff at Exhibition Centre, while Jenn Bowers was a line official at the beach volleyball venue. In Ajax, the department was represented by four volunteers during baseball events.

In November, the department welcomed the Adult Social Club from the Abilities Centre in Whitby to the men’s and women’s volleyball doubleheader against the Algonquin Thunder.
 
If you’re interested in participating in any of these community initiatives, please contact the Athletics department.