As the saying goes, there are two types of people in the world: Those who are followers, and those who are leaders.  Suffice to say, the group of UBC students who are leading the Prove Your Potential campaign are the latter.  In fact, one could argue they epitomize it.

The organizing team, composed of a group of enthusiastic university students and young professionals from various academic backgrounds, started meeting last September to develop a project that would inspire change and give back to the community.  They came up with the idea to prove their own potential by raising money and donating it all to the BC Children’s Hospital own Capital Campaign, which will in turn use the funds towards the reconstruction of the hospital.  The group was quick to secure a grant and from there, needed to decide how they would apply it to the scope of their project.That’s when the initial idea emerged.  What started off as a goal to sell 2000 t-shirts with all proceeds going towards the BC Children’s Hospital is now more than double in size, and has been kicked up a notch.  The Prove Your Potential team wants to sell 5000 t-shirts at $10 each, proving that potential is within everyone, regardless of age, sex, or race.  And at the moment, they are selling slowly but surely, with 1026 t-shirts already bought.  For such a generous and significant cause, it’s no surprise that there has been an overwhelming response of support and encouragement from the public.It just goes to show that when you combine a group of highly intelligent and motivated students, a lot can be accomplished.  The team is well on their way of spreading their message and cause, with a website, twitter and Facebook account, and blog already in place.  What’s more, they are proactively reaching out to the community by attending various venues where they set up booths and educate the public about who they are and what they are here to do.  And of course, there is always the opportunity to show your love and support by purchasing a Prove Your Potential t-shirt.Design your signature t-shirt!Starting now, the Prove Your Potential team is giving all you fashionistas and wannabe fashionistas (like me) the chance to add your own personal touch to PYP t-shirt and alter it however you’d like (Not downplaying the functional and contemporary design on the original t-shirt of course!).  If you want to add flare to your own PYP t-shirt, just purchase one from the PYP website, or from their booths around the community. Then cut, sew, and add whatever you want to create your signature PYP t-shirt! Look great while supporting a worthwhile cause!  The only requirement is that the PYP logo must remain on the t-shirt.  Aside from that, go crazy!  Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your masterpiece, be sure to snap a photo because the PYP team will be accepting all photos to be published to their website, and the best looking t-shirt will win a nifty prize!  Check the website for regular updates on this fun contest.Look for the Prove Your Potential team in and around the community, and get your t-shirt before all 5000 are sold out! Come on, isn’t it time to prove YOUR potential?If you would like to become involved in the initiative which has such a great cause, visit the Prove Your Potential website to find out more information and become a volunteer: http://www.proveyourpotential.ca/.WRITTEN BY: EUDORA KOH