Let’s be clear - the next six months won’t be easy.
The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged everyone - countries, governments, universities, charities. It is no different at Glasgow University Charity Fashion Show. Be under no false pretence - when I embarked on this job in March I’d hoped we’d be in a better place than we are. But we’re not where I had hoped we’d be - for this society, charity, university and country. But, it is time to get on with the job.
Entering our seventh year, we have donated nearly £130,000 to charities locally and nationally. We’ve held our annual show over two nights for the first time in 2020. We grew our society to 120 members in 3 years. We have a lot to be proud of. Understandably, I have received many questions about the feasibility of our 2021 project, in aid of Glasgow’s Golden Generation. Will the show happen? How are you going to raise money? I repeat the same answer each time: I will do all I can to deliver the best possible donation over the next year. I’m not giving up.
My committee and brand ambassadors are already getting on with the job - taking part in the Kiltwalk, Sober October, jewellery-making, and so on. We might have to get creative but they’re up to the challenge. Their fundraising efforts are guided by their commitment to charity and a feeling of individual responsibility to ourselves and our community. If we are in a greater position to help, then I believe we should. We all have our personal struggles, but I know I am able to help those struggling more than me.
It is without doubt that the charity sector has been struggling with the pandemic. Charities are expecting 24%* less income over the year than previously forecasted with 62%* of charities believing a disrupted cash flow will lead to their charitable activity being reduced. We should all be concerned - our communities, across the United Kingdom and the planet, rely on these services.
Glasgow’s Golden Generation - who aim to tackle isolation in older adults - has been significantly affected. They have had to shut their day centres across Glasgow; necessary services to prevent loneliness in later life. It has been impossible to miss the disproportionate toll the pandemic has had on older adults - over the past six months, they have suffered further isolation, loneliness, covid-19 clusters in care homes, and the inability to see what family and friends they have left.
We can do more for them. So we are.
We’re looking to support the charity through fundraisers, online befriending, food deliveries, social events over zoom and their app. We have to do more than just fill the funding gap. We have to let people know that there is still a lively world out there waiting for older adults to come safely back into. This should be a message of hope. Hope for a safer world. Hope for a supportive community. And hope for less isolation and loneliness for everyone, but most importantly, older adults.
And it is also a call to fulfil your individual responsibility. There are many causes out there, and without doubt everyone has something they care deeply about. For the sake of that charity, issue, cause or injustice please do something about it. Funds and awareness raising matters - so, if you can, do. At times it feels difficult to be productive, and often we feel powerless: I promise that taking action will help them and it will help you.
To help GUCFS and Glasgow’s Golden Generation, you may sign up to our open model castings, first year brand ambassador applications, donate to our fundraisers or come to what events we can run in the future.
It won’t be easy, but I remain hopeful. Only together can we prevent isolation and loneliness amongst older adults.
Aidan Vernel
President, GUCFS 2020-21