Surrey students make a difference in Guildford
Tuesday 10 November 2009
A group of students from the University of Surrey recently took positive action in Guildford as part of CSV Make a Difference Day, the UK’s single biggest day of volunteering. The Students’ Union’s Community Officer Georgie Hancock worked with Esther Nash, V’s Youth Volunteering Development Manager, Community Safety Warden Tracy James, and Terry Kelly, Guildford Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Housing Manager for Westborough, to organise the day. The gardening equipment was borrowed from Surrey Wildlife Trust.
The Students' Union organised a group made up of 16 members of the rugby team and additional volunteers to help an elderly resident of Westway, Guildford, with her garden. The garden had become overgrown with shrubs and bushes, and it was too much for her to look after. The team worked hard all day to remove branches and foliage, and get the area under control again, allowing Mrs Hughes to fully enjoy her garden.
The volunteers took part to show the positive impact that giving time to benefit others could have, and to show the importance of students getting involved with the local community to help make a difference.
The Chairman of the rugby team, Dave Nolan, said: “When we were approached regarding doing some work in the local area, we were more than happy to oblige. Rugby is a game that has always had strong links with local communities, and the lads jumped at the chance to do something positive with their free time. All of them worked really hard, and despite a few sore heads from the night before, carried out the job with a smile on their face."
Georgie Hancock, Students’ Union Community Officer 08/09, said: “In my time as Community Officer I have tried to build relationships between the residents of Guildford and the students. Small projects such as garden clearing really do help people out, making a difference to their lives. I can’t thank the Rugby club enough for being so gracious and helpful."
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk