Student’s Union Kick off R&G week | Tommie Grant

UCC Raise and Give week is in full swing and as always the Student’s Union have a packed itinerary of events organised around campus for the week. Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Barretstown and Cork Penny Dinners are the charities selected to benefit from this year’s fundraising. €24,000 was raised by R&G week 2012; however the SU hope that this figure can be surpassed this year.UCC students will be helping these worthwhile causes in a variety of ways, for example funds raised will go towards sponsoring a guide dog. A prize has been offered by the SU for the person who provides the best name for the dog on their official Facebook page, collegeroad.ie, this being just one of the many opportunities students have of winning prizes while also being able to put their mind at ease by helping good causes.On top of the various music acts lined up, several novel events have been lined up such as the crowning of a King and Queen of R&G week. Despite a €30 entrance fee competitors will be placed on the guest list for the Bowery and the Savoy for the week. Endurance tests and “just plain stupid things” will help whittle down competitors to the eventual winners according to SU president Eoghan Healy. The victors will win a cash prize and also have the honour of having a New Bar cocktail named after them.Perhaps the most exciting prize being offered is four Corporate Box Suite tickets to a Manchester United match in Old Trafford, courtesy of Suit Distributors. The team which complete the list of challenges assigned to them will be wined and dined in VIP 1968 Corporate Box in the company of a former united player.Along with these competitions, popular events from R&G week 2012 are due to make a return. UCC Simon Society and the SU are combining to present a special Valentine’s Day Take me out. Applications may be made online but should be done early considering the popularity of the show last year.“Hands off My Car” is also set to return. A 2013 Volkswagen Golf for one year with paid tax awaits the last person to remove their hand from the car. Last year’s winner lasted several days, so a decision to enter should not be taken lightly.The over 19’s ball on the Thursday night in the Imperial is also sure to prove another highlight of R&G 2013. Eoghan Healy describes the night as the return of Cork’s famous Jazz Weekend for one night with all door takings going to the fund.Along with the various events organised to raise money R&G hoodies will be on sale in the SU print shop for €20, with proceeds being donated to the selected charities.Paul Moriarty, the Head of Student Experience, praised student’s efforts stating that “helping these deserving charities is a great positive outcome and reflects very well on the student body”. While he wished to ensure everyone enjoys their week, he expressed his concern that the week passes without incident with regards to “safety of students and the enjoyment by local residents of their homes”. The Student Community Support, formally known as Students Patrol, will have a visible presence during the week to ensure this as will the Gardaí.