WATERLOO, Ont. - The Varsity Giving Challenge is set to begin this Friday, May 1. Starting at 12:01 AM Friday morning, all 36 Warriors varsity teams will be going head-to-head to reach donor goals as they compete to unlock thousands of dollars in funding for their program. The challenge will run through Thursday, May 21, coinciding with the University of Waterloo's Giving Day. 

There are multiple ways a varsity team can unlock additional dollars for their program, thanks to Laura Sylvah, Manager of Therapy Services, Athletics and Recreation, and Eric Celentano (BSc '79), who have generously contributed to these cash prizes for teams that reach their challenge goals: 

• The team to receive the most donors at the end of the challenge will score $1,000 in additional funds to support their program. 
• The team to receive the most dollars raised at the end of the challenge will get $1,000 in additional funds to support their program. 
• Each team to reach their donor goal will automatically receive $250 in additional funds to support their program. 
• All teams who reach their donor goal will be entered into a random draw where one team will receive an additional $500 to support their program. 

This year, there are even more ways to score matching opportunities for your team. 

• Eligible donations will be matched on a first-come, first-served basis, starting May 1 at 12:01 AM (EDT) until May 21 at 11:59 PM (EDT) - or until matching funds are depleted – and will be matched 1:1 up to $1,000 per donation. 
• All donations of $500 or more to Men's Hockey will be matched by the McArthur Family Matching Program (eligible donations must be made through the Varsity Giving Challenge giving link below). 
• If Figure Skating reaches its donor goal, it will unlock $2,000 from Diana Vangelisti (MA '89, BES '84). 
• If Football reaches its donor goal, it will unlock $2,000 from Rob Logan (BSC '82). 
• If Rowing reaches its donor goal, it will unlock $2,000 from Tania Harper and Alan Willemsen (BSc '95). 
• All donations to Rowing, up to $1,000 per gift to a maximum of $3,000, will be matched by Brian Waddell and Waddell Engineering. 
• All donations to Men's Rugby, up to $1,000 per gift to a maximum of $3,000, will be matched by Stephen Dibert (BSC '77). 
• All donations to Men's Basketball, up to $1,000 per gift to a maximum of $5,000, will be matched by Mike Crosby (BA '05) and the Crosby Auto Group. 

A friendly reminder, only one donation per person, per team, will be counted at the end of the challenge - Thursday, May 21 at 11:59 PM EDT. Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for challenge rules. 

Your support will make a tremendous impact and further enrich the student-athlete experience as our teams begin preparation for their 2026-2027 seasons. 

Let the challenge begin! Go Warriors Go!