R3,8 million, an amount that changes lives, that makes a difference to those who need it most.

On 2 March the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Student Rag Community Service (SRCS) donated R3 837 359,37 to various charities, schools, organisations and people in need during its annual pay-out function.

Founded in 1977, the SRCS is an initiative like no other and one of the biggest of its kind in the world. It is run by dedicated students at the NWU’s campus in Potchefstroom who aspire to serve the university’s surrounding community and those in need of assistance.

The SRCS works in conjunction with Reach-out And Give (Rag), and together these student bodies form a single non-profit organisation.

Driehoek Secondary School in Vanderbijlpark, where a recent tragedy saw the loss of life and numerous pupils injured, received R60 000. These funds will be used to help with the medical costs of the pupils and families affected by the tragedy.  

Other recipients include Paballo Daycare who received R42 000 for the reconstruction of their school building which is currently supported by only a single pillar. The Mpheneng Mhale Daycare Centre received R15 000 for the purchase of new mattresses and the building of a bathroom.

Furthermore, R925 776,17 was donated to needy NWU students and organisations such as the Guide Dog Association, Childline, Vessels of Mercy and Child Welfare.

 At the recent paying-out function of the NWU’s SRCS are Petro Boshoff from InGryp, Pieter Hattingh, Student Campus Council member for SRCS, Pukki the campus mascot, and Prof Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for the campus in Potchefstroom.   (Tian du Preez)