GCU Dance raise over £400 through virtual fundraisers for Glasgow Women’s Aid

A year of restrictions and social distancing hasn’t stopped GCU’s Dance Society from coming together to host virtual fundraisers and keep the team spirit thriving.

Many of our GCU Students’ Association societies have been unable to maintain their usual social gatherings and training sessions as a result of the university’s physical closure during the pandemic.

GCU Dance have taken these challenges in their stride and continued to meet-up online and host fundraisers since the start of the academic year.

The team decided to start their fundraising journey for Glasgow Women’s Aid last year when reports uncovered a rise in domestic abuse cases during the country’s lockdown situation.

The society’s charity co-coordinator Shona Christie explains how the team worked together virtually to come up with ideas to raise money for their chosen charity.

She said; “We chose to fundraise for Glasgow Women’s Aid because we knew domestic abuse had increased through lockdown, and we wanted to raise money to help tackle this issue.

Fundraising has been more difficult because it has to be done online which limits your options. However, we have been so well supported by family, friends and former members of GCU Dance, which has been lovely.

For our first fundraiser in Tri A we did an online raffle. We had five prizes to win and managed to raise £158.

For our second fundraiser in Tri B, we’ll be walking a total of 149 miles because in 2018, 149 women died as a result of domestic abuse.”

Despite the difficulties of keeping the team spirit alive whilst everyone is still following government restrictions, the society have made every effort to stay engaged and encourage one another to continue dancing, training and socialising virtually.

Shona said; “Hosting the raffle and walking challenge during a pandemic feels quite amazing really, and I think it is something we, as a society, should be so proud of!

This academic year has been so difficult, but we have carried on with weekly dance classes, socials and fundraising regardless.

We have also hosted a number of social events including one at Halloween and at Christmas, and a quiz at the start of the second semester.”

She added; “For a few of us, this will be the last fundraiser we can do for GCU Dance so it would be nice for us to enjoy it as much as possible, even though we can’t do it together physically as a team.”

GCU Dance member and Human Nutrition & Dietetics student Rosalynd Robertson explained how as well as doing good for others, the team’s fundraising projects are also a great way to enhance student wellbeing.

She said; “It feels good to be doing something for such an important cause, especially during lockdown, and it encourages us to exercise outside which is great for mental health!”

To keep up to date with GCU Dance’s fundraising activities, go to their Facebook page or visit their Just Giving page to make a donation.

By Rebecca Meechan.

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