Massey Albany Accommodation organises ‘Give Back May’ event

Massey University Albany residents have organised an event called ‘Give Back May’ where students will be partaking in a series of events to give back to the local community.

Students are being given the opportunity to donate over $3000 to the residents chosen charity.

“Giving back to the community allows us to get involved, as well as learn and grow from the experiences,” said postgrad student Jenna Saymon.

When a student is locked out of their room after forgetting their keys, they pay a small fee to the accommodation and over time this builds up and is donated to charity.

The decision of where to donate the money is being made through a Facebook poll in the Te Ohanga Village group.

Some of the charities in the running are Mental Health Foundation, The Wildlife Trust and Starship Children’s Hospital.

A Salvation Army Foodbank donation box is being placed in Te Rito, the residents’ social hub, giving students the opportunity to donate tins of food and other items to the Salvation Army.

The box will remain there for the entire month to give students plenty of opportunity to donate.  

Students are also taking part in a beach clean-up on Friday 24th May.

The clean-up will take place at Orewa beach, with students aiming to reduce the amount of rubbish in the ocean to help marine life and keep New Zealand’s scenic beaches clean.

The Accommodation is further helping at a Saving Hop Dog Adoption Drive on Saturday 25th May.

The Saving Hope Foundation is a charitable trust which attempts to rehome dogs to reduced euthanasia for dogs based on their breed.

Volunteering students will help run a BBQ, sell cakes and encourage the public to donate as well as encourage people to adopt.

The campus is offering free transport for the students wishing to volunteer at the various events.