Shuffle your way to the top!

Tips from veteran fundraisers on how to win big

September 2, 2025

By Sandra Evoughlian

Les Lawton is cheered on by a crowd as he crosses the finish line at Shuffle 29.

From Sir George Williams Campus to Loyola Campus, Concordia’s annual Shuffle walkathon unites staff, faculty, students and alumni — all in support of student success. Since 1990, the event has raised more than $3.1 million for scholarships, bursaries and services.

This year’s Shuffle, happening on Friday September 26, will feature remarks from The Beat 92.5 radio host Meghan Kelly, BA 17, GrDip 18, a 50th-anniversary community celebration, the first-ever Shuffle maker’s market and more.

Do you have what it takes to get to the top of the leaderboard? We asked past prize-winning Shufflers for their tips for fundraising success — and for winning Shuffle prizes.

Tip 1: Start early and offer incentives

Les Lawton, former head coach for the Stingers women’s hockey team, and a long-time Shuffle participant, turned his personal journey into an inspirational fundraising campaign.

“Everything I have is because I worked at Concordia! I suffered a stroke that affected my mobility and speech. It was then I decided to give back to the university and join the Shuffle,” says Lawton, who has raised nearly $100,000 for a bursary supporting women’s hockey.

His keys to success: Get an early start, send reminders to potential donors a week before the Shuffle and encourage them with a prize draw. Over the years, Lawton has raffled off Montreal Canadiens and Victoire hockey tickets, golf outings, gift cards and even a lunch with associate head coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Caroline Ouellette, LLD 19.

Two people standing together with green Shuffle t-shirts on.

Hardial Rosner, left, celebrates winning Shuffler of the Year at the 33rd Shuffle.

Tip 2: Enthusiasm is contagious

Hardial Rosner, BA 13, administrative coordinator in Facilities Management, won Shuffler of the Year twice in the past three years and she credits her success to pure passion.

“It was a big surprise! The first time was in my first year working at Concordia, and I think my immense enthusiasm is what got me there,” she says.

Rosner’s strategy involves building on the momentum of prior years by reaching out to past donors.

“I believe I got some of them just as excited as I was to help me keep the top spot on the scoreboard or beat past years’ records,” says Rosner. “Get into it and have fun challenging yourself to go further, since it’s all for the benefit of Concordia students.”

Man sits on armchair wearing a Shuffle 19 t-shirt.

Mahesh Sharma has participated in every Shuffle since the fundraiser began in 1990.

Tip 3: Spread the word

A veteran Shuffler since day one, Sharma remembers his first Shuffle, when only a few people participated, and he jogged the route in just 34 minutes. These days, he walks it in about two and a half hours, taking time to enjoy conversations in the process.

“It’s a great way for students and professors to meet and talk,” he adds. “I also encourage students to participate, and some of them have. I remember when I was teaching an Executive MBA class, they contributed over $1,000.”

Sharma also recommends reaching out beyond the Concordia community. “We should approach not only people at Concordia, but also their families and friends. Even small contributions can make a big difference for students.”

Bonus tip: Tap into your social network

Social media can help amplify your message. Camina Harrison-Chéry, BA 23, social media and multimedia producer at University Advancement, shares her advice on the Concordia Shuffle website. There, you can also find downloadable graphics to use across platforms to increase engagement.

Want an extra boost? Tag @ConcordiaAlumni or use #CUshuffle for a chance to be featured on the Concordia alumni social media channels.

This year’s fundraising challenges:

Shuffler of the Year: One individual will be recognized for their leadership and receive $500 towards their fundraising total.
Tread Setter Showdown: The team with the most members raising $75 or more ($30 for students) will receive an additional $1,250.
Fundraising Front Runners: The team with the highest total raised will get an extra $2,000.
50th-Anniversary Challenge: The team with the most donations above $50 will earn $750.
One-day Fundraising Sprint: A surprise 24-hour blitz with the potential to unlock $500.

To learn more and register, visit the Concordia Shuffle website.