Who will be named VIU’s “Whackiest Woolie” 2014?

Written by Margot Croft, Assitant in the Environment & Sustainability Services area at VIU
National Sweater Day is officially a week past, but students at Vancouver Island University are still celebrating! Their annual “Whackiest Woolie” contest is open until Sunday, February 16. 
National Sweater Day?  We like to spread the fun over a few days! Since 2011, Vancouver Island University has been promoting climate change action by celebrating outrageous sweaters and turning down the heat just a titch, not just for one day, but for five. There have been some — err—fine sweaters over the years.  Some favourites include the kung fu panda and the ode to Who Let the Dogs Out — an outfit replete with a hand-made bunny buddy. This year, we branched out to include woolies of all description — hats, mitts, leg warmers, scarves, socks — and the whackier, the better.  V.I. Abbie (VIU’s lead student ambassador) and Bookie (the face of VIU’s campus stores) pledged their support.

© Vancouver Island University
Bookie, the face of VIU’s campus stores supporting National Sweater Day © Vancouver Island University

A small blast of subzero temperatures as well as lowered indoor temperatures brought out some terrific homages to personal comfort and warmth this year. These are just a few of our cozy 2014 entries. We encourage you to take a look at all the entries here and vote for your favourites before Sunday, February 16!
© Vancouver Island University
© Vancouver Island University

 
© Vancouver Island University
© Vancouver Island University

© Vancouver Island University
© Vancouver Island University

So, thanks Wiarton Willie for prognosticating a longer winter!  That means six more weeks of snuggly sweaters, comfy socks, warm mitts and an opportunity to wear more whacky woolies!
National Sweater Day is made possible through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in Loblaw banner stores across Canada. Since 2009, Loblaw Companies Limited has donated one million dollars annually to WWF, for a total of six million dollars, to support activities that engage Canadians on climate change and other conservation issues.