08/12/11

November saw Childreach International host its first ever Team leaders Awards Ceremony, recognising the outstanding achievements of Team Leaders, RAGs and Students up and down the country.

The awards ceremony, which took place in a Central Leeds hotel , was the first of its kind, and was attended by over 100 students who together raised over £3.1 million for charity.

Awards up for grabs included Team leader of the Year, Highest Fundraiser of the year and Most Improved University amongst many others.

Raising over £5,000, Northumbria University’s Cheryl Beenshill grabbed the “Highest Fundraiser of the Year” award. Her dedication earned her the opportunity to have an internship at the Childreach International Tanzanian office.

Northumbria also won the “Most Improved University” for tripling the recruitment figures from 2009-10. Amelia Barrow from Northmumbria, for her dedicated efforts as a team leader, received the “People’s Choice Award.”One of Barrow’s team members had only great comments for their exceptional leader.

“She managed the entire organisation with a massive smile on her face and enormous enthusiasm towards the charity. I can 100% say that the fundraising and trip itself would not have been as memorable or enjoyable without her. She more than deserves this award!”

Likewise, Aston University team leaders, Ria Joyce and Alex Woodcock, won “Fundraising Event of the Year” for their ingenious idea to get the university library to donate all library fines to the group’s total.

Nick Brooks from York University walked away with the Uhuru Peak Award bestowed on the team leader to overcome a difficult challenge during their time on the trip. His leadership skills shone when he stayed in country to look after three members of his team who were unable to catch their return flight home (luckily his insurance covered a second flight home!)

Loughborough University won the “Best Recruitment Strategy” for their “Refer a Friend” incentive with a target to raise £500 towards the target of the participant to recruit the most friends, whilst Alex Griffiths and Liana Lonsdale from Sheffield University walked away with “Team Leader of the Year” award.

The “Most Supportive University” was awarded to University of Aberdeen’s “Friends of Childreach” The university’s Society not only helped inspired their peers through different events but also organised their own Childreach International ball, raising £1,300.

Last but not the least, University of East Anglia’s RAG society bagged the “Best Newcomer” award for their incredible “Lent Watch” group fundraiser, but with a twist.

Whilst for many the obvious choice to give up for Lent is chocolate, RAG members gave up items beyond ridiculous – touching buttons (including buttons in lifts, and on shirts) and the ability to turn left (which required a number of 270 degree turns in order to reach a destination). Each time the individual “broke their lent” they had to make a donation to Childreach International.

Childreach International would like the thank everyone for making the night such a success especially the gorgeous A Capella singers from Leeds University and the night’s hilarious host, comedian Joel Dommett.

Considerable thanks must go to the wonderful voluntary organizers – Cat Bull, Helen Johnson and Lucy Howdle (current and alumni Leeds Raggers). The event’s beautiful execution was entirely down to them and we are extremely touched by their dedicated effort!

The award winners this year were outstanding, but we are truly so proud of every single university we worked with in 2010-11. They are all inspirations. Bring on 2012!

For details on Joel Dommett’s future gigs check out: http://www.joeldommett.com

If you would like the Childreach International 2012 Awards Ceremony to be hosted in your city, or if you would like to apply to organise the event, then we would love to hear from you. Event organisers will be selected around Easter 2012.