In an end to a long-time tradition, Penn State students fundraised through canning one final time to raise money for THON.

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Perhaps the most recognizable fundraiser for the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, Penn State students from across all campuses took to street corners and intersections--holding out empty cans for the spare change of passersby.  This way, students could raise additional money for THON, the university’s annual dance marathon that raises money in pursuit of a cure for pediatric cancer.

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However, this tradition saw its final chapter, as Saturday marked the official last day of canning.

 

Originally, changes to canning weekends began after the death of freshman Courtney O’Brien in 2011.  O’Brien was one of five students in a car that flipped after encountering a patch of ice en route to Buffalo, New York for a canning weekend.  

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Due to the influence weather had on the accident, canning weekends were limited to fall semester only.

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However, additionally changes to canning guidelines were sparked after the second canning-related death in 2015. According to Onward State, member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Tally Sepot, was killed in a single-car accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike while returning to University Park after a fall semester canning weekend.

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Following the fatal car accident, THON executives announced that canning would be gradually phased out by Fall of 2019.  Recognizing the danger this form of fundraising causes toward its students across Pennsylvania, the 2016/2017 Executive Directors released a statement.

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“The decision to eliminate canning was a difficult, but necessary decision,” the statement read.

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Many students, particularly those who attend the University Park campus and who encounter the THON atmosphere on a much more frequent basis than those on satellite campuses recognize the hole canning will leave in the experience of THON.  

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For now, THON will be restricting its fundraising to alternative methods through other organizations on campus.

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In an article she wrote for Onward State, Elissa Hill, a junior Public Relations major and Managing Editor of the main campus news source stated, “Canning weekends aren’t just about raising money--they’re about making memories...The end of canning marks the end of an era for THON.”