NUI Galway’s Students’ Union is set to run the annual Charity Challenge with a number of challenges to roll out over the next semester.
The chosen charities this year are the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and BeLonG To Youth Service. The decision to choose these two organizations was reached during a council meeting held by the NUI Galway’s Students Union and was announced on Monday October 4.
Galway Rape Crisis Centre, which was founded in 1984 by a group of women concerned by the lack of support services for sexual abuse and rape survivors, continues to provide confidential counselling and support services to individuals affected by sexual abuse and violence.
“We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the SU Charities again this year,” said Cathy Connolly, Executive Director of the Galway Rape Crisis Centre.
“Many NUIG students have been part of our volunteer fundraising team in the past and we are ever grateful for the continued support of NUI Galway Students’ Union. This funding will be used to offer counselling to our crisis clients and reduce our waiting list.”
The BeLonG To Youth Service is a national organisation supporting young LGBTI+ people in Ireland. Since 2003, the service has provided young people aged between 14 and 23 years a safe and diverse environment, and offers a specialised LGBTI+ youth service with a focus on mental and sexual health, alongside drug and alcohol support.
Moninne Griffith, CEO of BeLonG To Youth Services, said that in the past year they have seen a 113% increase in demand for their support services as more LGBTI+ young people reach out for support than ever before.
“Support from this initiative will help us to strengthen our impact and fulfil our mission of creating an Ireland where LGBTI+ young people can be who they are, and love who they love, without experiencing hate and discrimination.”
“Over the academic year, students and staff will compete in challenges to raise funds for the chosen charities. The challenges will be created and designed by NUI Galway’s Joanna Brophy.
“We are very excited to launch our Charity Challenge to raise much needed funds for two amazing charities,” added Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn.
“Over the academic year this event will help our students and staff to feel part of the NUIG community, have fun and keep active while fundraising,” she concluded.
If you would like further information about the chosen charities, you can search for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre at www.galwayrcc.ie, and BeLonG To at www.belongto.org.
