The 14th annual Wendy’s Dreamlift Day was a big success and this year, thanks in part to the athletes and coaches from Thompson Rivers University who participated. Players and coaches from WolfPack Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, Soccer and Baseball teams all donated time at the Sa-hali Wendys. Some $83,7444.84 was raised throughout the Interior.
“It was great to give back something to the community” said women’s soccer player Shantelle Cooper. Cooper and team-mate Cassie Drummond spent an hour and a half helping out with tasks ranging from taking orders, to working the drive-thru to flipping burgers.
“It was a high school flashback,” laughed women’s volleyball’s Laura Battison, who worked at a fast food restaurant while going to school in Surrey, BC. “The best part was interacting with the customers.” The TRU crew were not only working with regular Wendy’s employees, but they also met members of City Council, the local media and various community groups and organizations who were also volunteering.

“It was a great experience,” stated women’s volleyball coach Carrie Barrett. “It’s great for the student athletes to get out into the community, help a worthy cause and it’ll look good on their resume for the future.”

Athletic Director Ken Olynyk praised his players and staff for their continuing efforts to get into the community and get involved. “The Dreamlift is just one more way that we can connect with the community. It also gives our athletes a complete “life” experience

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Laura Battison,
Women’s Volleyball

:not only getting the best education and top notch coaching but also learning what it becomes an all around good citizen.”

Wendy’s Dreamlift is an one-day event with all proceeds from sales, along with staff and management wages being donated to the Sunshine Dreams Foundation. The funds go towards sending Interior children with severe physical disabilities or life threatening illnesses to Disneyland for one day. These trips happen every two and a half years.
“We love having TRU here” said Wendys co-owner Akbal Mund “We look forward to having them back next year. Special Kudos to Pat Hennelly and his Men Volleyball team as they came and helped out during a very heavy supper run.”