When people think of the holidays, a few things come to mind such as traditions, family, presents and helping others. That last one was seen in a big way during the weekend of Dec. 6 and 7 in Downtown Hamburg.
Situated on the corners of the major intersections in town were Penn State University students wearing large signs and shaking cans to passerbys. These students were raising money for THON which is the largest student-run philanthropy event in the world. More than 15,000 student volunteers across Pennsylvania help out in the year-long fundraising effort.
The students that were out and about “canning” on Saturday and Sunday from sunup to sundown were members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at University Park. Their partners are the Gamma Sigma Sigma sorority.
“It’s for a good cause,” said Kappa Sigma members Andy Riedel and Lawrence Faison as they took a moment to talk at the intersection of Pine and Fourth Streets.
Proceeds from the fundraiser which culminates in a 46-hour no sleeping or sitting dance marathon go to help fight pediatric cancer. Since its start, THON has raised more than $114 million.
According to Kappa Sigma’s fundraising page, http://giveto.psu.edu/s/1218/thon/2014/p2p.aspx?sid=1218&gid=3&pgid=1250, “Gamma Sigma Sigma and Kappa Sigma THON not only raise money for our THON children Artie, Bek, and Nick, but to also help all children who are battling pediatric cancer. THON gives these children the chance to enjoy a weekend where they can just be kids and not worry about anything else. We THON so that one day, no parent will have to hear the words that their child has cancer and no child will have to suffer through this disease.”
For this “canning” trip, the eight Kappa Sigma members stayed with a Penn State alumnus. During their two days out in the chilly weather, which unfortunately prevented a lot of foot traffic, the students raised more than $900. Riedel and Faison believed that the total raised for THON was around $50,000 so far this year which is more than this time last year.
Though this was the first time in Hamburg for Riedel and Faison, this was not their first time “canning.” In order to take part in “canning,” students must officially register, take an online quiz, have permits for each area that they are set up at and more.
The fraternity members would like to pass along their thanks for the generosity of the Hamburg community for helping them raise nearly $1,000 during their two day stay.
To donate to THON, follow the Kappa Sigma link.