Santander Universities Community Awards 2010
A range of committed QMU students were recognised for their excellent work in the community when they were presented with awards from Santander on the 22 April.
Six students from Queen Margaret University picked up Santander Community Service Awards for their work with a wide range of community organisations ranging from the Musselburgh Brownies to charities involved in international support projects.
Each student was presented with a cheque for £100 from the University’s Student Fund for their sterling efforts, while Santander gifted £500 to each of the charities that the students volunteered with.
David Craig, Branch Manager from Santander, Potterrow Branch, Edinburgh, said: "Santander is very proud to be involved with the Community Awards. Each of the student prize winners exhibited an immense amount of passion for their chosen charity and are striving to make a difference in the local and wider community. They are a credit to us all and deserve all the support we can offer."
Oonagh O’Brien, Lecturer in International Health and Development at Queen Margaret University, said: “We are really proud that many of our students give their time to help a range of amazing voluntary organisations whilst working hard towards gaining their university qualifications. This is not only great for the charities but also helps students better integrate with the community and gain invaluable skills.”
Oonagh concluded: “We are delighted that the Santander Community Service Awards provides us with the opportunity to recognise the dedication of these students and to better understand the important work of the charities.”
DANIELLE MCFARLAND AND KATIE HOUSTON - 3rd Musselburgh Brownies
Second year Speech and Language Therapy students, Danielle McFarland and Katie Houston , were recognised for their dedicated work as assistant leaders with the 3 rd Musselburgh Brownies. The students, who joined the unit whilst in their first year at university, attend Stoneyhill Community Hall every Wednesday and help with a wide range of activities including first aid training and guiding district meetings. The £500 award from Santander will go towards taking the Brownies to camp and helping to pay subscriptions.
GEORGIE TURNER - ‘Drama Skool’, Corstorphine, Edinburgh
Student Georgie Turner was recognised for her volunteering efforts with ‘Drama Skool’, a small community drama school in the Corstorphine area. She attends every week helping the children with dance routines and drama scenes. Her encouragement and inspiration has helped the children create imaginative pieces of theatre. The £500 award from Santander will go towards taking the children to their first real theatre production.
TINA WREN - Mount Kilimanjaro First Aid Programme
Sociology and psychology student, Tina Wren , was awarded for her progressive work with the Mount Kilimanjaro First Aid Programme in Tanzania, Africa. Her development work enabled 12 young people from Mount Kilimanjaro school to teach first aid skills within their own communities. She also created a link between children in Scotland and those at 'Mount Kilmanjaro School' by establishing a pen pal scheme. Tina plans to return to Mount Kilmanjaro this summer to continue her work.
MEGAN O’CARROLL - QMU Students’ Union ‘Light Up Your Mood Campaign’
In order to raise awareness of mental health and improve the student experience at Queen Margaret University, 4 th year student, Megan O’ Carroll initiated the ‘Light Up Your Mood’ campaign. The successful campaign involved the staging of a series of mental health workshops as well as a film night and wellbeing fair. The award from Santander will go towards the continuation of the campaign next year.
ZOE CLEMENTS - STAND International
Student, Zoe Clements, volunteered with STAND International, an organisation which enables young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to volunteer at a project in Belarus. Zoe was part of a team who helped secure funding for project work, ran training, recruited volunteers and mentors and participated in evaluations. The £500 award from Santander will go towards funding another trip this year.
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