Over the summer students and staff nominated local charities to become our RAG (Raise and Give) charities for the year. Every year the Students’ Union open up these nominations, giving students the opportunity to nominate charities that are close to their hearts. Over Freshers’ Fortnight we had over 300 votes and the results are now in.
Our Uxbridge RAG charity this year is Hillingdon Samaritans. They provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Our High Wycombe RAG charity this year is Wycombe Homeless Connection. They help people rebuild their lives by offering advice and support getting a job, finding housing and gaining access to health care. They offer a night shelter for rough sleepers between January and March, giving them access to a warm, safe place to sleep and eat.
Throughout the year we will be running events to fundraise for our RAG charities, including Dodgeball for RAG, bake sales and a dRAG competition.
This year Claudia Waghorne is your RAG Ambassador and she will be helping run fundraising events and supporting others with their fundraising plans.
Claudia said: “This year our main RAG goals are: to spread awareness of our two charities, to both students and staff, raise a total of £7,000, bring students ideas together and continue to develop a fundraising culture within the University.”
Lauren O’Shea, President of Bucks Students’ Union, said: “At Bucks Students’ Union we truly value the communities our students are a part of. If we take care of them, in turn these communities will take care of our students. We’ve got some extremely passionate and dedicated students so I’m looking forward to seeing just how much money we can raise this year for two amazing causes.”