On 5 September, International Day of Charity, Scottish Refugee Council is pleased to confirm that it has been chosen as the National Charity for students at St Andrews University for 2017/18.
Throughout the year, through the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign, students will raise funds for refugees, and raise awareness of this important cause, by planning events and fundraising initiatives.
One of these will be January’s Race2 – an annual charity hitch-hike that goes to a different location each year.
Money will also be raised via bake sales, which can tie in with Scottish Refugee Council’s Cup of Tea with a Refugee campaign, Rag Week and beyond.
Kirsty White, Trust and Supporters Officer at Scottish Refugee Council, said: “The fact that students at St Andrews University have chosen to support refugees and people seeking safety this year is fantastic news.
“The funds that this will bring in will allow us to advocate for refugees and people in the asylum process as well as support our wider work.
“As refugees settle throughout Scotland, not just in Glasgow, fundraising efforts across the country are really important and allow us to welcome and assist people rebuild their lives in Scotland, in safety and with dignity.”
Jamie Minns, University of St Andrews Charities Campaign Convenor, said: “We cannot wait to work with the Scottish Refugee Council and fundraise for such an incredible cause. The refugee crisis can be seen by many as a distant, but current, issue.
“However, Scottish Refugee Council has made amazing progress over the last 32 years, to not only raise awareness of the plight of refugees in Scotland, but to emphasise that the plight of refugees has been, and remains to be, a constant issue.
“St Andrews is a university with a highly reputable school of International Relations and it is clear that the struggle of refugees is close to the hearts of many.”
The other charities for 2017/18 are Save the Children (International) and Families First – St Andrews (Local).
