The generosity of the UFV community never ceases to amaze, and that collective support helped make Cascades Giving Day 2025 a massive success.
A total of $134,108 was raised, with contributions from 255 generous supporters, including 161 who gave for the first time. Ambassadors from the UFV community (74 registered student athletes, students, coaches, staff) rose to the occasion, sharing personal stories that promoted fundraising efforts. These posts helped raise awareness and excitement about Cascades Giving Day.
They also participated in exciting challenges, including the Ambassador Referral Match Challenge, in which the top three teams or programs securing the highest number of individual donations through ambassador referral links unlocked extra matching dollars for their campaigns. The top three in that challenge were:
- 1st place: Women’s soccer unlocked a $500 match
- 2nd place: Men’s basketball unlocked a $300 match
- 3rd place: Men’s golf unlocked a $200 match
The top individual ambassador, men’s basketball’s Hayden Sansalone, unlocked a $100 match.
The Far and Wide Cascades Challenge saw $250 unlocked for the furthest donation outside of B.C., and the collective spirit of coaches, student-athletes, alumni, UFV faculty and staff, and partners reached around the globe. The Cascades’ spirit traveled all the way to Australia with four donations made, and there were also donations from Sweden, Germany, and Bermuda.
All funds that were raised provide essential resources for the student-athlete journey, including training, scholarships, and strength and conditioning. Donor generosity also enhances Campus Recreation programming, enabling students to thrive in recreational activities, build essential life skills, and contribute to building a strong community as future leaders.
“I am so proud of our team here at UFV,” said Nick Sirski, director of athletics and campus recreation. “We smashed through our targeted fundraising goals — a true reflection of our community being all in. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the coaches, staff, athletes, and community who worked tirelessly to make this possible, and to our supporters whose generosity continues to drive our success.”
Together, we are building a stronger future for student-athletes. We are all Cascades at heart!