Queen’s Gaels student-athletes were very successful in raising championship banners this year as well as raising funds for charitable causes.

Led by the Queen’s Varsity Leadership Council (VLC), student-athletes raised over $61,000 for charitable causes and continued to build connections in the Kingston community through volunteer initiatives.   
 
In September, the VLC donated 643 pounds of food to Partners in Mission Food Bank at the Athlete Welcome Event.  
 
In October, student-athletes raised $39,226 for the Run for the Cure, with the men's rugby team leading the way, raising more than $30,000 of the final amount.
 
Heading into the holiday season student-athletes donated 35 holiday food baskets and over $600 to Martha's Table, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritious meals for those in need. 
 
During the season, the VLC hosted two Super Saturdays which supported the Autism Mentorship Program and become involved in mental health initiatives with Bell Let's Talk day.
 
The VLC hosted its first annual Varsity Sports Championship Day with all proceeds donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
 
In March, 150 student-athletes from 18 different teams and clubs, matched up with 32 Special Olympics athletes for the Motionball Marathon of Sport and raised over $23,000 for Special Olympics Canada.
 
“This was an extremely successful year for the Varsity Leadership Council. Through a love for sport, the Gaels were able to bring our Kingston community closer, one initiative at a time,” says VLC co-president and men’s basketball student-athlete Harry Range. “One of my favourite highlights from the 2018-2019 school year would be our Pathways to Education Day. The kids were engaged the entire day through various games and speakers.”

Pathways to Education Day aims to support first generation students of sport and personal development.
 
To cap off the year the VLC was nominated for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, South Eastern Ontario Chapter Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for dedicating their time to volunteering efforts in the Kingston community.