Technological University of the Shannon (TUS ) students have raised over €11,500 for local charities this year through active involvement in student societies.
The TUS Queer Society (LSAD ), TUS Animal & Microbiology Society (Athlone ), TUS Cumann Gaelach Society (Athlone ), TUS Happenings Society (Clonmel ), and the Tabletop Societies (Moylish and Athlone ) were among those who played a pivotal role in the charity initiative.
The funds raised are supporting organisations like Pieta House, Irish Cancer Society, Aware, Simon Community, Jigsaw, GOSHH, Autism Assistant Dogs, African Centre Ireland, LGBTQ+ Ireland, Limerick Animal Welfare, The Calcutta Run, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Turkey & Syria Earthquake Appeal.
TUS Societies Officer Treacy McIntyre expressed her pride in the students’ achievements, highlighting the positive impact on both local charities and the students’ own personal development.
“Last September, we tasked all TUS student societies with coming up with an initiative to raise much needed funds for a charity of their choice,” she explained. “The idea was to get them thinking about their wider communities and the challenging personal circumstances that some may be facing.
“We feel societies have an important role in teaching students about compassion, empathy, and generosity, important values for everyone; this allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the needs of others and oftentimes their own needs as well,” she said.
Rising to the challenge, TUS students organised a diverse array of fundraising events, including table quizzes, bake sales, zine sales, fundraiser days, games nights, a drag show, and student balls and collectively raised thousands for charity.
“I’m so proud of what has been achieved this year and can’t wait to see where we can take it this year coming,” Treacy said, teasing upcoming initiatives like Gaeilge 24, where students will speak Irish for 24 hours straight, and the TUS Arts & Crafts Society’s plan to crochet items for Milford House and the Jack and Jill Foundation.
TUS VP for Student Education & Experience Frances O’Connell applauded the student society initiative and emphasised the importance of students’ active participation in causes that help the wider community.
“Active participation in the wider community is a cornerstone of holistic student development at TUS. By engaging in altruistic endeavours, our students cultivate empathy, responsibility, and a sense of social duty, shaping them into well-rounded, responsible citizens ready to contribute meaningfully to our society,” she concluded.
