The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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CSUN kinesiology department competes in Big West Conference coin drive

CSUN’s kinesiology department is pairing with the Student Athletic Advisory Council to raise money during a coin drive to win a competition and propel a community project.

The council and department are competing together in the 6th Annual Big West Conference Coin Drive Competition against all 10 universities associated with the conference.

The school that raises the most money gets to keep its earnings and 25 percent of the earnings of all other participants.

“We’re hoping to raise at least $3,500. That’s how much the winner raised last year,” said Janet Pinneau, associate athletics director. “If we could raise $5,000 that would be wonderful. It’s not impossible.”

Last semester, student athletes raised $1,500 for a separate project during the holidays, Pinneau said, which is why she said it isn’t impossible for them to reach their goal for the coin drive.

The institutions that don’t win get to keep 75 percent of the money they raise and donate it toward the charity they have selected.

The 100 Citizens program was the choice for the Big West coin drive because of how it already represents CSUN and its goal to give the community around San Fernando a place to practice healthy habits and gain an education about the benefits of being active.

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, more than 30 percent of children in California are obese.

“(The goal of the program) is to combat obesity, create physical activity opportunities that are affordable and accessible, and to show America what undergraduate students in Kinesiology can do,” said Steven Loy, kinesiology professor and creator of 100 Citizens.

The program won Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” video competition in 2012, and will be receiving recognition in the White House on March 6. Classes such as Zumba, body sculpting, and cycle spinning are included in the 100 Citizens program.

Student athletes have been asking for donations during games and other sporting events as part of their fundraising efforts. They have also been conducting bake sales and posting on social media.

Loy expressed confidence that CSUN can surpass the competition and goal.

“We can raise $7,500,” Loy said. “The winner last year
raised $3,500 so we should match that, but with our combined efforts I
know we can do better.”

Student leaders and staff members involved with 100 Citizens who are motivated in the competition, hope to raise several thousands of dollars so that they may not only win the competition, but surpass the goals they have for the program.

“It’s a reasonable goal if you consider how many students and interns could be engaged and playing a part,” said Mike Wong, one of the program’s student leaders. “If everyone in the university contributed a dollar, we’d win by a long shot. This is not for Kinesiology. It’s not about athletics. This is for all of us. This is CSUN’s opportunity to gather together and help the community.”

Donations in the form of coins and dollar bills will be collected until Feb. 28. Contributions can be made in canisters that can be found in CSUN convenient stores and food courts, such as The Arbor Grill and The Marketplace. A large donation canister is also stationed in room 250 in Redwood Hall.