Victoria University's Volunteer For You (V4U) program was awarded 'Best Event' at the Australian Association of Campus Activities (AACA) Campus Link Conference held last week in Adelaide.
This is a nationally recognised award for Victoria University's Student Life team who were up against all other universities, TAFEs and institutions in Australia.
Student Life Officer, Cristyn Jenvey said, "We are very proud of our success as many other unis and TAFEs are far better off than us with more resources and funding. We demonstrated what dedication and innovation can do."
"V4U was held in October 2011 and was an all-inclusive volunteer event where over 250 students and staff took time out of their busy schedules to give back to the greater Footscray community."
The projects undertaken were many and varied ranging from working with children at the Western English Language School; rejuvenating a courtyard at an aged care facility; providing maintenance at scout halls and neighbourhood houses; and working with the local food bank giving out food to the homeless.
Volunteers were transported in mini buses to their various projects across the western suburbs of Melbourne.
Cristyn Jenvey said, "This event created an opportunity for the University to engage with the community and form connections with organisations, and encouraged us to continue to build these links. V4U will be held again this year on 12 October and is set to be even bigger and better than the 2011 event." Students and staff can still register their interest to take part in V4U 2012.
It is the second year in a row that Victoria University has won the award for best event; last year it was awarded for Step Up Day.
The Campus Link Conference ran from 24-26 September and was attended by members of AACA who are event professionals who run social, cultural and recreational events on Australian university and TAFE campuses; and representatives of the Australasian Campus Union Managers' Association (ACUMA); and the Tertiary Access Group (TAG).
Participants were engaged in hands-on workshops, professional development seminars, sharing sessions, networking events as well as the annual TAG Trade Fair.
