Prince George, B.C. — The UNBC Timberwolves and the university’s Commerce Students Society have created a special “MVP of the Month” initiative.

Each month an MVP will be selected by the CSS, with funds raised that month going to support an individual who could use an assist. Money raised will be split between the “MVP” and children’s cancer research.

January’s ‘MVP of the Month’ is Olivia Frost, who was just four years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last March.  She is currently in the maintenance phase, which involves daily chemotherapy at home, regular blood checks and more intense monthly chemotherapy in Vancouver.

UNBC men’s soccer player and CSS board member Francesco Bartolillo met Olivia and says “It makes you realize there are bigger things in life, and people are facing massive challenges every day. It was amazing to meet someone who had to face something so difficult at such a young age, yet showed how strong a child can be.”

Fundraising will go on throughout the month, beginning this this weekend with all 50/50 funds from the Timberwolves basketball games against Mount Royal University go to Olivia and her family.  Later this month, the Timberwolves basketball and soccer players will hold a Fill The Bus Bottle Drive.

Olivia’s parents Nathan and Amanda are both UNBC alumni, and Amanda says “It’s touching to have current students help our family in our time of need as I remember doing similar philanthropic events through various student groups at UNBC.  We continue to be humbled by the generous spirit of the people of Prince George and use events such as this to show our daughters the power of kindness.”

The Frost family will use the proceeds to ease financial pressures including costs associated with travelling to BC Children’s Hospital and taking time off work for Olivia’s treatment and appointments.