August 2008 Societies, Clubs and Volunteering – Student Life at NUI Galway Leads to Fáilte T

NUI Galway Dramsoc members and friends acted as a wedding party for the recent episode of Fáilte Towers. In the RTÉ reality show, celebrities are running a hotel while raising money for charities of their choice. The 17 members of the Dramsoc team played the roles of bride, groom and wedding guests, descending upon the hotel and its unsuspecting celebrities. According to Riona Hughes, Societies Officer at NUI Galway: "The Dramsoc was delighted to be invited to participate in this charity event. NUI Galway Societies are no strangers to charity fundraising as in the last six years they have raised almost one and a quarter million euro for charity. With over 85 active societies here on campus there is literally something for everyone. As part of a society students can learn new skills, explore their interests, create a community of friends with similar interests and goals and of course have great fun." NUI Galway is also home to around 40 active and vibrant sports clubs. From Archery to Windsurfing, all sporting interests are covered and a brand new sports centre and swimming pool due to open shortly. Another integral part of student life at NUI Galway is volunteering. Over 1300 student volunteers registered with the University's ALIVE volunteering programme at NUI Galway during the last academic year. "Our students contribute significantly to the social fabric here in Galway - whether it's running homework clubs for local schools, fundraising for charities, or befriending people with a disability", says Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Coordinator of ALIVE. To find out more about participating in societies, clubs and volunteering at NUI Galway, new and returning students should remember the following dates:

• Monday, 22 September, Volunteering Fair (www.nuigalway.ie)
• Tuesday, 23 September, Clubs Day (www.sports.nuigalway.ie)
• Wednesday, 24 September, Societies Day (www.socs.nuigalway.ie)

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