Students rewarded for volunteering
Trefor AlunThe annual High Sheriff Award ceremony took place at Bangor University recently. The High Sheriff's Award recognises and rewards both individual and group volunteering efforts by Bangor students.
All winners were presented their awards by the current High Sheriff, Professor Robin Grove-White and University council member Dr Dai Roberts. The students were congratulated for giving their time and effort on top of their studies to contribute to the student community and the wider community through their voluntary work.
The individual category went to three committed students who each received a cheque for £100.
Trefor Alun was rewarded for his valuable contribution to the Students Union as a whole. Not only did he serve as the Students Union chairperson during 2009/2010, as a student representative on Students Union Senate, but he also Chaired the Student Volunteering Bangor (SVB) committee during 2010/2011 and has himself been an active volunteer on several projects.
Monique Goldsmith receives her cheque from Professor Robin Grove-White, High Sheriff of GwyneddMonique Goldsmith is the RAG Co-ordinator and has helped raise £12,000 for several local and national charities. She is also a personal fund-raiser for World Challenge, and self-funded a visit to Ghana to assure the development of a new orphanage.
Steven Barnard gave up to 40 hours per week including evenings and weekends supporting students in Rugby Union, First Aid and Scuba Diving. He has worked closely with the Athletics Union including arranging First Aid cover for the Ultra Marathon charity event. Steven is the key driver in the success of the Bangor University Sub Aqua Club.
The Group Award of £300 went to the SVB’s Hergest Project, which gives students the opportunity to volunteer with adults with mental health problems at Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Hergest Unit. Volunteers organise a variety of activities for services users to participate in on a bi-weekly basis, including cooking, music, karaoke, jewellery making, arts and crafts and social sports such as pool, snooker and ping pong. The money will be used to purchase more equipment and musical instruments to hold music therapy sessions.
Steven Barnard“It’s important that such impressive community work is acknowledged and rewarded. Not only does this Fund benefit groups within the community, it also gives Bangor University students invaluable experiences that will enhance their career prospects”, said Professor Robin Grove-White.
Dr David Roberts, the University Registrar thanked Dr Dai Roberts for establishing the Award fund 5 years ago and the High Sheriff, Professor Robing Grove-White for presenting the Awards saying; "Volunteering projects enable Bangor students to give something back to the community in which they live. These opportunities are a vital feature of the University community and the student experience.”
Winners were all invited to visit the House of Lords in London at the Council Chair, Lord Abersoch’s expense.
Individuals wishing to contribute to the High Sheriff's Fund can do so via the Development Office, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG.
Publication date: 24 January 2012