Changes to the University’s charity fundraising system mean that raised money no longer has to be divided within RAG but can now be given directly to one charity.
As a result of the changes, individual societies are now able to fundraise for their selected beneficiaries – as long as they are not using money from their own funds or grant accounts.
The charities must also have any event where fundraising is planned cleared by RAG beforehand, and after the event the amount raised – as well as the intended recipient – must be declared to RAG.
The alterations have been welcomed by worldwide organisations who have societies based on campus, such as Oxfam and Amnesty International.
“Fundraising stands alongside campaigning and raising awareness as one of the most effective ways our student group can support the wider work of Amnesty International,” Amnesty Co-Chair for the University Robin Sukatorn said.
“Alongside our campaigns, we’ve worked hard on raising money for Amnesty International UK, and are delighted that YUSU has changed its stance on raising and giving to charities independent of RAG.
“It’s so important that all forms of charitable initiative are encouraged, so to have the support of YUSU’s RAG is both welcomed and appreciated.”
Having raised over £800 last academic year, University of York Amnesty International hopes that the new YUSU changes will mean their hard-earned cash, raised before the changes were put in place in 2011/12, will also go directly to their charity.
Harriet Milligan, spokesperson for the University of York’s Oxfam society, also expressed delight at the decision.
“It will give us a chance to put on a wider variety of events for our society members. Instead of purely awareness-raising we can now hold fundraising events that will directly benefit the charity.
“Although we are still keen to work with RAG on fundraising events, these changes have given us the freedom chance to do more independent fundraising activities.”
York Student Activities Officer Chris West said: “I am happy with this being the case, as it allows our students to raise money for the causes they are passionate about, and will hopefully encourage more students to be involved in the wide array of activities on campus.”
All events with planned fundraising will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.