College raises record amount for Children in Need
11 November 2009
Cardonald staff and students raised a fantastic £1,742.80 for Children in Need last week - our best ever total. Pudsey and friends performed a range of fundraising events and activities including sandwich making, cake selling, neck and shoulder massages and the long awaited return of Cardonald's Got the Pop Factor.
Supported learning students took lunch orders the previous week, preparing and delivering them to staff and students on Friday. EVIP students also used their catering skills to raise funds baking and selling cakes. Further food fundraising followed with Joan Wattie and the Get Involved Group asking people to guess the weight of their special Pudsey cake. Won by Princes Trust Team Leader Stephen Morier the group raised an excellent £311.60.
Earlier in the week Holistic Therapy Diploma students offered neck and shoulder massages to staff and students, with the treatments doubling up as an assessment. The students raised a soothing £560. Head of School, Pamela Cumming and the students were then invited to be part of the Children in Need studio audience at BBC Scotland. Continuing with the relaxation theme childcare students raised more money by dressing up in their pyjamas.
One of the highlights of Children in Need week was the return of Cardonald's Got the Pop Factor. Following on from last year's sensational debut, the contest showcased a range of Cardonald student and staff talent. Organised by the SRC and Student Engagement Officer Andrew McGowan the event raised an incredible £900.
Seven acts took to the stage, with last year's winner Derek ‘Cowell' Powell returning to judge the contest along with Kate ‘Price(less)' Sangster and John Paul ‘Walsh' McCormack. The competition was won by singing sensation Fiona Smith with dance duo Ain't Misbehavin' in second place.
‘Pop Factor' was a great success with a large staff and student turnout. On behalf of all involved Andy would like to thank Iain Shand, Alan Greig and the NQ Sound Production students for their great PA services; Derek Powell and Steve Bishop for organising lighting; Jim McIvor and his students for filming the event; the judges, performers, SRC and everyone else who made the event such a success.
For those who missed it, a DVD will be out soon featuring exclusive interviews, backstage footage and the performances themselves.
Head of Student Support, Kate Sangster commented "I never cease to be surprised by the talent in the College. This year's ‘Pop Factor' showcased many acts better than the Saturday night offerings.
The total commitment of the SRC especially Colin Hanson and Andy McGowan our Student Engagement officer deserves a special mention. There is a brilliant atmosphere and buzz about the place."
Final word goes to Cardonald's very own Pudsey, Derek Murney who once again donned his furry bear suit and collected a terrific amount of money. Asked to sum up Children in Need week at Cardonald, Derek simply replied "Brilliant."