Issue 151

Swansea students save orphanage

29th January 2007

In Giza, Egypt, children were in serious threat when their orphanage was set to be closed, due to lack of funds.

However thanks to Swansea University students, the orphanage has been saved just in time. A recent student fundraising evening at the university's Student Union Club DV8 has raised almost £800 for these children.

Student Kim Ridleagh, found out about the impending closure of the orphanage as she spent her holidays volunteering in Egypt. She then immediately looked for ways to raise money for the orphanage.

Ridleagh and the Student Union began promoting a charity event for this cause. The theme of the event was an Egyptian night with bar staff fully costumed and with DJ's providing music for the evening.

"I can't let you understand what a real difference this very large amount of money will make to the comfort and happiness of the orphans and the ability of the orphanage to function well into 2007," said a representative of the orphanage.

The money raised was all mainly donations from students who were happy to contribute their money to help the children.

Manager of DV8 Scott Tuppin, sincerely thanks all of the staff who helped make the evening a success. He assures that the money raised helped the orphanage stay open through the winter and it allowed the children to have a better Christmas.

"We hope to have another fundraiser at the end of the year to help them raise money for the summer," Tuppin said optimistically.

Christina Dore