"The UNBC JDC West team is an incredible way to get involved not only in your university but in your community. When I found out the team has so much emphasis on helping communities by putting on fundraisers for local charities, that was the icing on the cake and I knew that taking a bigger role within the group would be something I really would benefit from."

Evan van Dyk

Evan van Dyk is one of Prince George’s newer residents. He is currently in his second year at the University of Northern British Columbia. Originally born and raised in Terrace, Evan has quickly fallen in love with Prince George and is especially impressed with the city’s energized and community-oriented people. Like most northerners looking to further their education, UNBC was the natural choice for Evan to achieve his academic goals. Studying business and commerce, Evan is Captain of the UNBC 2010 JDC West Team. This is a role that has helped develop Evan’s leadership, analysis, presentation, and fundraising skills.

The UNBC JDC West Team is based out of the University of Northern British Columbia. It is a team made up of the top 53 commerce students at UNBC that participates in social, athletic, and mainly academic competitions against nine other top universities in Western Canada. The focus is to compete while, at the same time, work for the betterment of society. University teams across Western Canada partner with different charities in their respective communities. Last year, all the university teams collectively raised over $210, 000. This year, Evan is leading his team’s effort to partner with the Salvation Army in order to help deal with rising poverty rates in these tough economic times.

The UNBC JDC West team strives to win competitions with the goal of proving to its competitors that, despite being the smallest university from the smallest city, UNBC’s business students are the best. The more important objective, however, is to raise over $20, 000 for the Salvation Army to assist people in need of a helping hand. In 2010, UNBC will be hosting the JDC West business competition as well.

Evan van Dyk and the UNBC JDC West Team are busy with a variety of projects designed to help the community. In addition to fundraisers for the Salvation Army such as a Gentlemen's Bid, Coat Checks, Kettle Campaigns, and Chillin' for Charity, the dedicated students also volunteer for the Teddy Bear Run, UNBC’s food and clothing drives, serving food to people in need, and generally any other community service jobs that require volunteers.

Evan is especially proud of this month’s Chillin' for Charity event that he helped put together. Chillin' for Charity is a polar bear swim that the UNBC JDC West Team has organized for the last three years. The entire team of 53 students collects pledges to jump in a freezing pool of water. The event includes a live DJ, lunch by donation, and ice for sale to make the polar bear swim that much more 'enjoyable'. This year’s event takes place at the Salvation Army on November 19. Donations continue to be encouraged by contacting Evan at e.vandyk@unbcjdcwest.com or visit the team’s website at http://jdc.unbc.ca/ All proceeds go directly to the Salvation Arm.

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