Focus on Fundraising is a week of events to highlight the importance of the charity sector and the different ways you can get involved, whether it be during your time at university or as a career. We spoke to different Glasgow University societies about their charitable partners, the work they do and how you can get involved.
Tell us a little about your charitable partner.
SWAG: We work with Glasgow and Clyde rape crisis and the Rosey Project (a branch of GCHC directed towards 13-25 year olds). They offer support to survivors of sexual violence, as well as to friends and family of survivors, relating to dealing with their trauma (drop in sessions, counselling sessions, group therapy and the Rosey Project community), as well as offering services that support reporting if thats what the survivor wants to do and doing work in schools to improve knowledge on these issues.
STAR: STAR stands for student action for refugees, it is a national charity with groups in universities around the UK campaigning for and supporting refugees and asylum seekers. STAR is the movement of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive as equal members of the community. At Glasgow STAR we work to promote the Families Together Campaign and the Equal Access Campaign (creating university scholarships for refugees) among others. We also support our local Glasgow community through weekly conversation clubs helping them to learn English. During the pandemic this involves facilitating access to online classes – so we are providing devices, learning packs and PPE.
GUSA: The GUSA charity of the year this term is Scottish Sports Futures (SSF). SSF is an incredible charity which focuses on working with young people from disadvantaged communities. SSF looks at changing the lives of young people through sport by engaging them in upbeat physical activities and offering them support with seeking further employment and further education opportunities. GUSA are looking toward making use of the amazing facilities we have on offer at UofG sport to facilitate volunteers and young people getting involved with physical activity delivery and participation promoting the sports we are so passionate about at Glasgow.
RAISE: Raise is a feel-good movement encouraging students to celebrate the post-exam period by making the world a better place. At Raise, we invite all students to celebrate the end of the academic year by donating an amount significant to them (doubled through matched funding) to Raise which goes straight to the Against Malaria Foundation. AMF was chosen by Raise as they are independently recognised as one of the most cost-effective charities in the world.
UofG Boxing: We’re supporting both Stand Up To Racism UK and Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH), and for just this month we’re also fundraising for the Movember charity. GAMH provides over 2,000 hours of community-based support promoting good mental health every week to people in Glasgow. Stand Up To Racism organises marches, supports causes like Black Lives Matter, and opposes right-wing media using migrants, refugees and Muslims as scapegoats for problems they didn’t create. Movember funds research into testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
SWAG fundraising.
How does your society promote/raise funds for your charity?
SWAG: To promote them we highlight the support services they offer in various ways, such as reposting their info on our social media and discussing them with members (if and when possible/appropriate). Usually we raise funds for them through events such as club nights, gigs and bake sales. however, due to covid we've had to adapt! We've hosted a variety of successful online events such as bingo, a virtual gig, and an online raffle!
Macmillan: Our society raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support through on campus events such as bake sales, ceilidhs and glitter stalls at HIVE. Off campus, we like to organise bucket collections at local supermarkets and get involved with Macmillan Glasgow. Obviously, this year will be a bit different with regards to fundraising opportunities. However, we are excited to come up with new ways of raising awareness and funds for Macmillan.
STAR: STAR Glasgow has a fundraising team who are organising various events throughout the year – study treats deliveries, STAR depop page, a STAR recipe book (with recipes from our refugees), virtual races, online raffles, and quizzes. Although not monetary, we also are looking to collect clothing donations and electronic devices at Christmastime for Maslow’s community shop.
RAISE: Our suggested donation is £75 and, once match funded, this can help protect almost 200 people from malaria. From our significant donations we really can have a huge impact and help change the world. Raise then hosts a party at the end of the year to celebrate our collective impact. The idea is that by combining celebration and giving we can encourage students to see charity positively and have an amazing impact in the process.
BEAT: We organise events to raise funds for BEAT UK! Last year, we had a few pub quizzes, a bake sale and a live charity gig (Beatz for Beat). We also had our 2.6 challenge, where participants did activities surrounding the numbers 2 and 6, such as running or cycling 2.6 miles to raise funds. With the Covid-19 restrictions in place this year, we’re hoping to plan some online fundraising events. Most of these will be taking place during Eating Disorder Awareness Week in March, so keep a lookout on our Facebook page (BEAT at UofG) to get involved!
GUSA: As our charity of the year, it is important to us to maintain a strong relationship and link with SSF despite the challenges presented by the current circumstances. Our primary outlets for GUSA fundraising in aid of SSF is through our events this year. With the ongoing restrictions, we have encountered some challenges in hosting events however, we remain optimistic that we can run some excellent student events before the term is over to raise money for SSF - make sure to keep a look out for any events GUSA post on social media! Our healthy social media following is used extensively to give SSF the publicity and recognition they deserve.
UofG Boxing: Last month several members of the club took part in Sober October, abstaining from drinking alcohol for the whole month while sharing posts on social media to raise awareness for our charities. This month our efforts are focused on raising money for the Movember charity by growing moustaches and individually running or walking 60km over the month. We also have future events planned like a triathlon, raffle, and a GUBC calendar sale.
Macmillan bucket collecting at local supermarket.
What is the best thing about being a member of a fundraising society?
SWAG: It's really fulfilling and I feel like I'm contributing to a cause that I care really passionately about in a productive way. I also get to meet like minded people who are just as motivated on tackling these issues!
Macmillan: The best thing about being a member of a fundraising society is definitely the feeling of making a difference. It is rewarding to know our hard work is going towards a good cause that we all feel so strongly about.
STAR: This is the chance to give back to the Glasgow community we live in and welcome refugees and asylum seekers. We raise money for the Glasgow STAR group, so the money goes towards helping people specifically living in Glasgow. The funds we raise can help refugees and asylum seekers who have been particularly hard hit in the coronavirus pandemic, welcome them into the community and give them access to english learning resources. Fundraising is a challenge but even more so during a pandemic as our usual bake sales, library candy canes and pub quizzes are a no-go. This year, therefore, it is so important that we are creative with our ideas and work as a team to raise as much as we can. It also allows for collaborations with other societies!
RAISE: Raise is brand new to Glasgow so being part of it allows members to shape an amazing initiative in whatever way they see fit which is a really exciting prospect. Raise also has a great team behind it, allowing you to meet new people in an otherwise difficult year, we are going to be focusing on the social aspects as we know everyone is struggling and we want to offer some light relief as well as having an amazing impact.
BEAT: The most rewarding thing about being part of BEAT at UofG is being able to help people from a group that is often misunderstood and stigmatised. Many of us within the society have had experiences with eating disorders, either been diagnosed with one before or have had a loved one with an eating disorder, which is why we’re eager to help those who have been in a similar position. BEAT UK is an important charity for those people with eating disorders and their supporters, so we want to contribute to fundraising as much as possible. Additionally, we’re also a society that raises awareness about eating disorders. We hope to debunk misconceptions and provide education about eating disorders and mental health to students on campus.
GUSA: There are so many benefits to being the GUSA Fundraising & Outreach Convenor. Working with an enthusiastic council has allowed me to set my sights high for this year. Despite the current challenges, we are still all working together to raise money and support Scottish Sports Futures in any way we can. It is incredible seeing the work you do benefit individuals’ and organisations’ livelihood. Together with Scottish Sports Futures, we are all very excited to see what can be done throughout the year to support, aid and promote the amazing work SSF do.
UofG Boxing: The best thing is taking part in fun challenges as a group with friends while knowing that you’re helping make a difference to meaningful issues, and potentially even saving lives.
BEAT Sock it Friday, raising awareness for eating disorders.
Share an important fact about your society or charity.
SWAG: We highlight successful women (successful covering MANY avenues) in a variety of ways - content we all need!
Macmillan: In 2019, Macmillan Cancer Support raised £229 million towards supporting those with cancer and their loved ones.
STAR: In our society we strive to create a welcoming and friendly community where everyone feels at home!
RAISE: Donating to Raise has no price and although we throw a summer party this is not paid for by your donation. We stress that the donation should be significant to the giver, you should go away and have a think about how much is significant to you before donating, our recommended donation which we are expecting most people to give is £75. As the party is paid for independently to your donation and thanks to our generous matched funders you are guaranteed that 200% of your donation goes to AMF, helping to do a huge amount of good.
BEAT: Beat helps support the 1.25million people in the UK – many of whom suffer in secret. There is a wide range of eating disorders which people can get help and support from them through their national helpline.
GUSA: Scottish Sports Futures have provided Sport for Change programmes to over 150,000 young people across Scotland!
UofG Boxing: GAMH has 30 years of experience supporting those experiencing mental health problems and their carers. Stand Up To Racism organises anti-racism events across Europe, including in Copenhagen, Vienna, Frankfurt, Kraków, Berlin, and Paris. Movember has funded over 1,250 projects researching testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
STAR at this years freshers fair.
How can students get involved with your society?
SWAG: Join as a member! It's totally free, you'll receive our amaze newsletters with lotsa swaggy content. come along to our events, they're always super interesting or fun! Be a contributor for our first upcoming zine! there's so many ways to get involved in swag (which I HIGHLY recommend you do) - just have a look at our social media platforms or give us a shout for info on the many things we have going on
Macmillan: Students can get involved with our society by joining our Facebook Group- Glasgow Uni Macmillan Society Volunteers. Students can also get involved by liking our Facebook page- Glasgow University Macmillan Society or our Instagram page @glasgowunimacmillansoc.
STAR: We are always looking for more students to participate in Conversation Club (this year it is on Zoom on Monday evenings) you need no language teaching skills simply just being able to chat and listen – your time is so valuable to us! Alternatively, if you want to get involved in fundraising or awareness activities get in touch with us through our social media: Instagram: @star.glasgow, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/STARNetworkGlasgow/
RAISE: A great way to get involved is through being a rep. Students can sign up during our rep recruitment period at the start of every academic year. Our recruitment drive for this year finished on the 6th of November but if you are inspired after reading this and wish to signup as a rep for this coming year we are opening the applications back up, specially for you!! Please complete the google form here: https://forms.gle/DMAutUJceZxoAXPC7 and when asked how you found out about Raise enter GUCFS. Alternatively, if you wish to give a significant donation then keep an eye on our social media page for instructions on how to join the Raise community. If you have any questions at all please contact us through social media.
BEAT: You can get involved with Beat at UofG through our social media accounts (facebook and instagram) where we post about events and talks we have coming up and fundraising opportunities. By liking our page, you’ll get updates on when we have events. You can also message us on one of our social media accounts if you have a fundraising idea or event you’d like to work with us on! Currently, we have talks from outside speakers over zoom and are working on ways to collaborate with other societies.
GUSA: Students can get involved in a variety of ways with SSF. Since all of our events are targeted at students, there is no better way to support our fundraising efforts than by coming along to one of our future events in aid of SSF. If students would like to get directly involved with volunteering opportunities for SSF and working with their young people, they can get in touch about doing some sports coaching in our upcoming outreach programmes. These will be facilitated through the GUSA sports clubs. Coaches or players will have a chance to work with SSF's young people and get them involved in their respective sports.
UofG Boxing: Students can get involved with GUBC by liking the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GUBoxingClub or by following the Instagram account @glasgowuniboxing. You can also help us in our fundraising efforts by joining the GUBC Movember team at https://movember.com/t/glasgow-university-boxing-club-gubc?mc=1, or by donating to Stand Up To Racism UK and GAMH on our GoFundMe page at https://gf.me/u/y6cpxm.
Focus on Fundraising week continues on the GUCFS Facebook and Instagram pages!