Doing good a good feeling for students

If you’re looking for ways to support a good cause, a group of community minded Otago tauira are making it easy for you.

Each year, students from the Faculty of Law organise a series of events to raise funds for the Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge.

Co-Heads of the fundraising committee, Elizabeth Kinney (4th Year Law and Politics) and Jordan Paranihi (5th Year Law and Psychology), have been involved in the fundraiser for the past few years and say there are about 60 Law students from across the years involved.

“This work we do is important because New Zealand has such a high rate of family violence. University is a great place to grow awareness on the issue from early on in life,” Elizabeth says.

Students have the opportunity to donate their time in many different ways, Jordan says.

“And as mana wāhine, I think that it’s important to help out a cause that could be a saving grace for someone we love, or ourselves one day.”

The Committee has already held a very successful designer clothing sale, which raised nearly $15,000, and have more events planned, including a bake sale, a quiz night and a gig at Dropkicks.

But one of the big events each year is the charity auction, which will be held tonight at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

Carissa Smith (5th Year Law and Politics) has been part of the auction fundraising committee for the past three years and has led the committee for two.

“Last year at the Auction we raised $27,000 and, collectively across all the whole fundraising appeal we raised $67,000,” Carissa says.

“We always have such awesome items donated from so many amazing businesses and it’s always such a fun evening to watch and be a part of. I am definitely going to miss it next year.”

It’s important that students know they can make a positive difference in people’s lives, she says.

“I think sometimes students can get very caught up in the bubble that is student life and often we forget about issues facing individuals in the real world, so being a part of a group that raises money and allows for real change and aid to be given is crucial.

“We’re able to raise some serious money for those most vulnerable in our community, who are probably experiencing one of the hardest times of their lives and if I could be such a small part of ensuring they have a safe place to go and a roof over their heads then why not.”

Elizabeth says she was inspired to join the committee after hearing a talk from Simone, the manager of the Ōtepoti branch.

“She spoke about the fact that we could be walking past students on campus everyday who have been affected by family and domestic violence. It was a reminder that domestic violence does not discriminate, anyone can be affected by it, and you can’t always see it.

“I love being able to work with students from different year groups, all coming together for a greater cause. When I got asked to Co-Head the committee this year, I was excited to have the opportunity to be involved in all the amazing events. The opportunity to interact with generous businesses, and hear of people’s stories, has been incredibly humbling and inspiring. You never know what someone is facing.”

Jordan says students who volunteer get to experience the heartwarming feeling of knowing that they were able to be a part of good in this world.

“For me personally, my community at home helped shaped me into the wāhine that I am today and I’ve always wanted to somewhat replicate that feeling in my life.  I am grateful that my community taught me to give when and where you can.”

Keep up with their fundraising on Insta, facebook and the Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge website

- Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson