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Pupils win £3,000 for Charity

The fourth years at Robert Gordon's College participated in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) that aims to encourage teamwork and to raise awareness of local charities.

The year group was divided into twenty-nine teams, each with the ultimate goal of winning £3,000 for their selected charity. The £3,000 was generously donated by the Wood Family Trust, which funds the scheme across Scotland. A press team was also formed to publicise YPI around the school.

Elaine Manley, YPI facilitator, said, “The scheme provides the experience to appreciate a different aspect of life. The opportunity is life-changing and can hugely benefit smaller charities.”

Many of the groups had clear requirements when seeking an organisation to work with. Factors that were taken into consideration included charities that were less familiar, as well as their uniqueness, as it was believed that they would be more likely to attract the judges’ attention in comparison to mainstream ones.

The judging panel consisted of former pupil, Mr Garreth Wood, the son of Sir Ian Wood, who also attended the college. Mrs Victoria Reid, from John Clark Motor Group, Mrs Lesley Wilson, from Johnston Carmichael, Mrs Elaine Farquharson-Black, from Paul and Williamsons, and Mr Hugh Ouston, head of college, were also valued members of the panel.

It was also fundamental to consider the charities’ target audience and the most popular choices were aimed at helping children and people with disabilities, such as Befriend a Child. By basing their ideas around charities focussed on helping the most vulnerable groups in our community, it was expected that the judges would be particularly empathetic.

Mr. Hugh Ouston, head of college added, “It is great to return as a judge and see the high standard of ideas being presented. The pupils have enjoyed working with local charities in the community and it is lovely to welcome so many people into the school.”

The pupils were encouraged to conduct market research and were given the opportunity to develop their presentational skills. Although all of the groups had benefited from the experience, one group came out on top. Group twenty moved the judging panel with their Dragon’s Den style pitch for the Friends for Life Club and were awarded the £3,000. The money will be used to train staff at the club, allowing more disabled children to have the opportunity to go swimming.

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