On November 22, 46 UNBC business students jumped into ice-cold water at the CN Center. The stunt wasn’t just for thrills—it launched this year’s effort to bring a $300,000 cancer diagnostic machine to Northern BC.
Welcome to JDC West.
The student organization has raised over $1 million for Northern communities in the past decade, pulling in $93,000 last year alone. While the group competes annually at the largest undergraduate business competition in Western Canada, UNBC’s team has built its reputation on giving back.
What Is JDC West?
“Jeux du Commerce—games of commerce,” explains Emily Roberts, fourth-year Commerce major and Director of Charity. “It’s the biggest business competition in Western Canada.”
Each January, 650+ students from 12 universities compete in Academic, Athletic, Challenge, and Debate categories. This year’s event lands in Saskatchewan, with UNBC fielding 46 competitors plus coaches and co-captains.
But UNBC’s team plays a different game. While rivals chase trophies, UNBC JDC West has won first place in charity at nationals year after year.
Recent Win, Real Impact
The team just returned from Vancouver’s Coast Games where their debate squad—Emily Roberts, Mark Dhillon, Gavin McDermid, and Jay Roa—swept all three rounds against UBC, SFU, and UVic. Topics ranged from Arctic oil exploration to restaurant tipping.
The victory adds to their legacy, but the real work happens back home.
This Year’s Mission: A Cancer Diagnostic Tool
UNBC JDC West is fundraising for an endobronchial ultrasound machine for UHNBC Hospital. The technology diagnoses and stages lung and esophageal cancer—something Northern residents currently travel to Vancouver to access.
“Someone from Terrace makes that entire trip just for a diagnosis,” Emily says. “We’re bringing this technology to the North.”
The Chilling for Charity campaign runs through December 31. Donations fund equipment that stays in the region, serving Terrace, Kitimat, and surrounding communities.
How It Works
Students compete in four categories:
Academic: Ten teams of three tackle disciplines from Accounting to Operations Management. They get three hours to solve a business case and present to judges.
Debate: Canadian Parliamentary style—30 minutes prep, 50 minutes of competition.
Athletics: Unconventional sports like Angleball and Tchoukball, designed to level the playing field beyond varsity athletes.
Challenge: Amazing Race-style tasks testing communication and critical thinking.
Behind it all, a student executive team plans events, organizes mock competitions, secures sponsorships, and manages the charity work. Co-captains Aryanshu and Nickolas Legault lead the charge, supported by faculty advisor Michael Daykin and community coaches.
What Students Actually Get
“It looks fantastic on a resume,” Emily says. “Professors and employers see JDC West and think, ‘you’re hired.’”
The program counts as optional course credit (COMM 498). Students pay $550 throughout the year, covering travel, food, accommodations, and team gear for the week-long competition. Local sponsors offset costs.
Aryanshu, now in his fourth year, credits the program for his post-graduation job offer. “It was my first experience stepping outside my comfort zone and meeting brilliant people who helped me grow.”
The Bottom Line
JDC West runs on community—both the one it serves and the one it builds. As Aryanshu puts it: “Watching delegates transform from shaky presenters to incredible consultants—that’s the most beautiful part.”
The model works because the mission is clear: support Northern BC while building future business leaders.
How to Help
Chilling for Charity donations remain open through December 31. Every dollar supports the endobronchial ultrasound campaign.
To donate or sponsor: visit unbcjdcwest.com or email captains@unbcjdcwest.com
