Give5 is an initiative organised by Rhodes students, which encourages as many people as possible to contribute R5 or more towards a fund for students on financial aid.
Give5 is an initiative organised by Rhodes students, which encourages as many people as possible to contribute R5 or more towards a fund for students on financial aid.
The first Give5 collection week for this year begins on Monday.
The campaign raises money for the Pocket Money Fund, which was started by the Dean of Students and has since been incorporated into the Rhodes Annual Fund. It supplies 100 students with R130 pocket money a month, for 10 months of the year.
These students are already on financial aid, but after paying for tuition and living expenses, have no spending money left for necessities such as toiletries. “The Dean of Students started it to make them feel more at home and to help them have the full Rhodes experience,” said Alumni Relations Officer Terryl McCarthy.
The Give5 project ran from 2004 to 2009 then stopped due to lack of organisers. As of this year, the SRC has taken over and is running the campaign as a competition between residence halls, with spectacular prizes for those who raise the most money. SRC Community Engagement councillor Thabo Seshoka said that students were taking to the town in an effort to raise more funds.
“Everyone is invited to contribute,” he said. “It’s a chance for the students to get in touch with the community.” Collections will be taking place not only in residence halls and around campus, but at strategic spots around town, such as outside Pick n Pay. One group will be holding a bake sale at the Farmers’ Market tomorrow.
