OT students double fundraising target to help those most in need during pandemic

The society have already reached out to local hospitals and care homes thanks to donations
The society have already reached out to local hospitals and care homes thanks to donations

GCU’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Society have raised more than £1,000 to help those less fortunate – with the impact being felt from Glasgow all the way to Canada.

The group started fundraising to provide patients in hospitals and care homes with essential and luxury items - however after smashing the initial £500 target, the objective quickly changed.

Society president Deborah Keenan explained the original idea. She said: “I think we all realise how much simple items can help make someone’s day if they’re stuck in hospital or at a care home.

A lot of patients unfortunately can’t have visitors just now, so this was just a way to support them since we’ve got the spare time.

We put £500 as the default because that’s what JustGiving suggests – I honestly wasn’t sure how people would react. It’s absolutely blown me away that we’ve now more than doubled that.“

The Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, New Victoria Hospital and Alisa Craig Care Home, have all been supplied with everything from shaving foam through to magazines.

The donations, which have so far came from 62 generous individuals, allowed the group to expand the impact even further.

Third year student Deborah described how the money has helped the society reach more vulnerable groups affected by coronavirus.

She said: “One of our committee members is actually back in Canada just now, so she’s going to help a homeless charity over there.

Back home, another member works with SAMH – we feel it’s really important that we support those struggling with mental health.

We also have someone who helps young men with Autism and we’re looking at getting them some sensory tools.”

And in the week that committee member Katie Moffat was invited to share the success on Des and Jennie’s Heart radio show, Deborah explained her delight at how far the society has come.

She said: “I’m so proud because it’s been a real team effort – everyone’s been contributing in different ways.

We have 12 members and only formed in the middle of March. It’s amazing to see what we’ve achieved already and exciting to think what we’re capable of over the rest of the year.”

You can donate here to help GCU’s Occupational Therapy Society keep up the amazing work.


By Ross Clark

Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter