The ROAR group organised a big music event in the summer, featuring half a dozen bands and a charity auction. Thanks to generous match funding from Edrington and the Robertson trust, they raised an incredible £7980 for local charities, Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) and the Orkney branch of the Samaritans.
Tricia Urquhart from the Samaritans said:
Samaritans have been in the heart of Kirkwall, currently in the Travel Centre for 25 years. Fundraising events help us to continue our work within the community and help us to train more volunteers who support our vital listening service.
Zelda Bradley from Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service said:
At a time when many finding streams have dried up and funders are oversubscribed ORSAS were very grateful that ROAR chose to support our small charity. The topics covered by our charitable aims are sometimes considered taboo. So, to have young people in Orkney prioritise a service that supports survivors of sexual violence and delivers prevention sessions in schools and youth settings, speaks volumes about young people's concerns and experience.
Government funding that ORSAS receives allows us to offer a basic service, maintain an office, and presence locally. ROAR's funding allows us to allocate unrestricted funds directed specifically at support for young people and the issues they experience.
The ROAR team also organised a spring Ceilidh for Kirkwall Grammar school, and while this event was smaller, the learning experience for the committee was no less, everyone had a great time. The money they raised at the event was given to the Orkney Blide Trust who work to support people in Orkney who need help maintaining their mental health.
Leah Gunn was involved with ROAR during her final year. She said:
I guess, I just wanted to do something good, something for charity. I thought the gig went really well, the bands had a good time, and we raised money. It’s a shame there weren’t as many at the ceilidh, but the ones that did come gave it their all. We were raising money, and everyone had a good time, so there’s no downside.
