Christmas cheer came early for a number of charities when third year marketing students from IT Sligo presented the proceeds of fundraising events they had organised to the Rennafix Group & the MS North West Therapy Centre.
Two groups of students adopted a charity and their fundraising events have raised €1769.50 from two events: a 5-a-side Football Frenzy & a Sligo ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ talent contest, held in the Clarion Hotel Sligo.
“The Bachelor of Business third year marketing students each year are set a challenge of developing, collaborating and organising a fundraising event for a local non-profit organisation,” explains Joanna Sweeney, a lecturer in Non-profit Marketing.
“It is part of their course and the project requires them to put their marketing and event management skills into action. The great thing is that they are learning and different charities benefit at the same time,” she added.
“In the last number of years the students from this course have donated a total of €53000 but we have ten less students this year, so they have done really well.”
This is an example of community engagement in action within a module on a programme. Non Profit Marketing has been running since 2007 and the response from students has been very positive.
“This subject gives great practical experience while giving us a chance to give back to the community,” says Michael O’Donoghue, one of the third year students currently on the course.
The charities which have benefited from the students recent fundraiser activities are:
The Rennafix Group was formed in 2012 and its aim is to assist with the promotion of positive mental health through outdoor activities and connecting people. It seeks to provide life-enhancing activities to underprivileged social groups and those seeking counseling and/or therapy.
The MS North West Therapy Centre in Sligo exists to enrich the lives of people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions by providing essential services and support to clients and their families.
Photo caption:
L-R: Lauren Conroy (Student), Joanna Sweeney (Lecturer) Andrew Lynott (Student) & Tabby Callaghan (MC) at the recent ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ event, organised by IT Sligo marketing students in Sligo.