Rockin’ the night away

By Jane Alkhouri

Like a Picasso version of the energizer bunny, purple-clad fraternity members jumped on a scooter and kept on going.

The University of Calgary Phi Gamma Delta fraternity’s annual 24 hour Race Around the Rock took place on Thu., Sept. 21, raising just over $1,000 for Crohn’s disease and colitis research.

The U of C Phi Gamma Delta chapter, better known as the Fijis, began fundraising for Crohn’s and colitis research a few years ago when one of their frater- nity brothers was affected by the disease.

"It’s in our fraternity mandate to help out with as many phil-anthropies as we can," said undergraduate Fiji member Derek Glowa. "It’s our first year racing around the rock since it’s been moved. We usually have a free barbeque, music and volleyball going with other students, however the setting has changed a bit with Mac Hall expansion."

Organizers of the event were quick to point out that the Students’ Union has been accommodating of Fiji needs.

"The Students’ Union has always been really supportive and helpful with bookings and providing us with equipment and burgers for students in the past years," said Fiji members and race coordinators Greg Clarke and James Armstrong.

Unlike past years, this year’s event was not as well publicized and caught some students lounging under the prairie chicken by surprise.

"It’s an interesting way to fundraise," said one passing student. "I just hope nobody falls off their scooter."

The annual fundraiser is typically held on a Thursday to capitalize on the generosity of patrons leaving the Den and Black Lounge. Fiji philanthropy is not limited to picking the pockets of intoxicated bar-goers, however. The Fijis host several fundraisers every year, including the Campus Food Drive Club Challenge and Skate-a-Kid To Camp.

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