THON Says Goodbye to Canning

Canning has been a long-held fundraising tradition for the student volunteers of THON in their efforts to support the Four Diamonds Fund for pediatric cancer research and patient care.

But this weekend will mark the last ever canning weekend, when students travel across Pennsylvania and beyond to raise money. THON announced in April 2016 that it would begin phasing out the practice following the death of student Tally Sepot, who was killed in a car accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike while returning from a canning trip.

Canning trips had already been limited to the fall semester only following the 2011 death of freshman Courtney O’Bryan, who also died in a car accident while on one of the trips.

‘There were a variety of factors that weighed into the decision [to end canning], first and foremost is that volunteer safety is our number one priority as an organization,’ said Andrew Smith, THON 2018 executive director.

It will mark a change, and a challenge, for how contributing organizations raise money for THON, which generates millions of dollars in donations each year. But the THON executive board says it’s looking forward to fundraising and student engagement efforts in other areas.

Tim Miller, volunteer safety director, said as canning has been phased out, the fundraising focus has moved to new methods, specifically focusing on ways to utilize emerging technology.

Centre County Report’s Alyssa Cichy has more on the story below. And see where students are reporting they will be canning this weekend with Onward State’s interactive map.

This video is produced by and for Centre County Report and shared through a partnership with StateCollege.com