25 February 2004

University fundraising week launched

Photo opportunity: 3.30pm, Thursday 26 February, City Chambers, City Square, Dundee (Lord Provost, Simon Patten, Elliot Sawers).

The Lord Provost today pledged his support for Dundee University Charities (DUC) Week and urged those living in and around Dundee to support the fund-raising efforts by joining in the celebratory parade on March 7.

John Letford gave DUC organiser Simon Patten a helping hand selling magazines in the city centre to add to the profits raised by students for a range of local and national charities.

The Week, March 1 until 7, features a range of fundraising sport and social events organised by students culminating in a colourful parade through the city centre with pipe bands, fancy dress, floats with DJs, clowns and dancers.

Students have been busy selling the magazine to accompany the activities. The publication is entitled DUC with the entire price cover of £1 going to the recipient charities. The 36-page magazine features a lively mix of film and book reviews, fashion, travel and some comedy writing.

All funds raised will go directly to four charities, with 50% profits staying in the local area. Organisations set to benefit are the Dundee Disabled Children's Association (DDCA), the Myasthenia Gravis Association, MIND/SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), and Amnesty International.

Lord Provost John Letford said, "I'm very impressed with the work of Simon, Dundee University Sports Union and his fellow students for organising this programme of events especially the parade on March 7 which everyone can join in. I'll certainly be urging my colleagues here to the council to snap up an issue of this magazine and I look forward to seeing plenty Dundee citizens supporting these efforts by joining the parade."

DDCA co-ordinator Elliot Sawers said, "It is fantastic that students at the University of Dundee have chosen to help a small local charity like us. This will not only help us financially but will hopefully raise awareness of our work and volunteering opportunities. Our current project is building a ground floor premises with a garden for our activities."

Sports tournaments with students from the universities of Aberdeen, Abertay Dundee and St Andrews have been taking place over the last two weeks, with the last one to be held on Saturday 28 February.

The fundraising activities will culminate in a spectacular parade through Dundee city centre on Sunday March 7, starting from Sensation Science Centre at 2pm and ending up at the University of Dundee.

By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk