St Andrews University scoops award for work with British Heart Foundation

The university scooped the Retail Partner accolade at the virtual British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Heart Hero Awards last week in recognition of its support for the work of the heart charity.

In less than a year, 39 tonnes of donations were made to the BHF after the university signed up for the BHF’s Pack for Good Campaign last February – with students and staff donating their unwanted clothes, furniture and electrical goods to provide much needed stock for the BHF’s shops in St Andrews and Dundee.

Sales from these goods potentially raised up to £80,000 for BHF research. The campaign also plays an important environmental role by diverting unwanted items from landfill.

Alexander Clark, environmental officer at the University of St Andrews, said: “Working with the BHF on the Pack for Good Campaign has been fantastic.

“It is wonderful to be recognised with this award which really puts St Andrews on the map, highlighting all the positive work that has been going on to raise money for the BHF and reduce waste.

“The campaign offers a really good solution to an issue which all universities face – namely what to do with left over furniture and items at the end of term. I would definitely recommend signing up to take part in Pack for Good as it’s making a real difference in our communities in so many ways.”

The team at the university has worked hard to make it easier for students to donate. There are now 19 new donation points across campus and work is on-going to extend the Pack for Good campaign to those students living off campus, creating additional donation points at private rental properties.

The BHF’s Heart Hero Award ceremony was held virtually, celebrating individuals of all ages who have shown immense strength in the face of adversity or have made a significant impact in helping those living with heart and circulatory diseases.

In Scotland, nearly 50 people die each day from heart and circulatory diseases.