DCU has become the first University in Dublin to set up a society dedicated to animal welfare.
RAW, Raising for Animal Welfare, aims to prevent animal cruelty and neglect through fundraising and education.
The committee is confident that they can get enough students involved to make a real impact on animal wellbeing in Ireland.
“The hope is that in October we won’t be just another society but the society to join and contribute to”, said Rachel Wheeler, RAW Chairperson.
Wheeler has been passionate about animals from a very young age. She once considered a career in veterinary medicine and is now looking forward to expressing her love of animals through the ambitious goals of RAW.
“We can change how people view animals, act towards them and so, change the lives of countless animals all over Ireland,” she said.
As well as the chairperson, the RAW committee members for 2014/2015 are Ciara Green as secretary, Laura Lynch as treasurer, Katie Shaughnessy as PRO and Ciara O’Dwyer as events officer.
The society will work with a number of charities including the ISPCA, PAWS Ireland and the Blue Cross to ensure that funds raised by students will be used in the best possible way.
“We have a lot of great ideas for next year, including bringing animals on campus, lectures and hands-on volunteering,” Wheeler said.
The committee is eager to hear suggestions for possible events and campaigns from new members also.
“We believe that after ‘clubs and socs day’ we will have a lot of new members with great ideas and we can’t wait to hear them all,” Wheeler said.
To get involved in DCU’s newest society, follow RAW on Twitter @DCURaw and like DCU RAW’s Facebook page for updates and information.
Aoife Geary
Leave a Reply