Over 16000 raised for charities through RAG
RAG (Raising and Giving) and Wellbeing Week returned with a bang last week. The campus ran, jumped, laughed and sang from 26 February to 2 March, all in aid of raising money for good causes.
RAG this academic year so far has seen an astonishing £13,096.11 raised by charity-minded staff and students, supplemented with an additional £2,785.65 raised from the University’s student group fundraising competition and £439.20 raised during RAG and Wellbeing Week.
Last week's fundraising events included a 12 hour music performance by University student music groups, learning to juggle with Clown School, a sports day, and wellbeing fair. The cold weather meant that some fundraising activities had to be cancelled, but the total is set to rise, as these are rescheduled.
As well as raising money for good causes, students have dedicated 547 recorded hours to working voluntarily in communities in the past six months so far, according to the University’s latest figures. This includes a range of activities by our students such as teaching internet safety to young people or providing mental health support across the globe.
Professor Jon Scott, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Student Experience here at the University said: “It’s been great to see so many students and staff coming together to take part in RAG and Wellbeing Week this year despite the cold weather. Everyone was in good spirits and we’re pleased to be able to support local and national charities, helping to continue to their fantastic work to help others.”
Marie Muir, from the Student Experience team, added: “RAG Week is something that historically has played a huge part in the university experience, with examples of events recounted in our University archives. Our students do fantastic work to raise money for charity and volunteer in the community and we wanted to revive RAG Week as a way to celebrate some of their amazing achievements as well as provide the opportunity for more to get involved.”
Mollie Henstock, Wellbeing Officer at Leicester Students’ Union said: “University Mental Health Day is a national campaign to focus efforts on promoting the mental health of people who live, work and study in Higher Education settings. We wanted to make this a week-long event to coincide with student RAG activities.”