Ahlia McCausland, our celebrity for this week, is a 19-year-old all the way from Manila, Philippines. Studying Chemistry at Manchester, she’s in her second year and talks to us about her recent charity work in aid of the devastating effects Philippines Typhoon.
So Ahlia, tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m in my second year at the University of Manchester studying Chemistry. Despite being British, it’s my first time living in the UK and so far so good! Before moving to Manchester I lived in Manila, Dubai, Amsterdam and Shanghai. Manchester was definitely the perfect addition to the list!
You’ve just had a bake sale to raise money for the Philippines Typhoon victims, how did that go? Did many people participate?
It went very well – the newly formed Filipino society organised a one-off bake sale at the union which was so successful that RAG suggested we extended it for another 2 days the following week and offered to help. We had volunteers from RAG and the Filipino society collecting donations around the campus and everyone we approached were more than happy to help. Needless to say the chocolate cake and brownies helped too!
We think that was such a brilliant idea of yours! What made you want to hold a bake sale?
We thought of many ideas and ways to raise money, but nothing appeals to students as much as food! It was out of luck that our volunteers were experts in baking which turned out pretty well. A bake sale also allowed us to socialise and talk to people to let them know what was going on in the Philippines.
Are there going to be any more events to raise money, events that others can get involved in?
Our next charity plan is to raise money for homeless children in the Philippines. There are about   250,000 children living and working in the Philippines streets today. We plan on teaming up with RAG and Red Cross for our future fund-raisers.
Do you do any other charity work?
Whenever I’m home I spend a few days working at the Shanghai Healing Home. It’s a charity that provides pre- and post- surgical care to abandoned infants suffering from surgically correctable deformities and it also aids in future adoption.
Why do you think it’s important that we do as much as we can to help out those in need?
I just think it’s important to raise awareness with what goes on in other parts of the world and any ways we can help. Every little bit helps so even a small bake sale can make a difference to those in need. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people!
To end on a more positive note…. Where can we find you around Manchester?! Where’s your favourite place to be…
I love Deansgate Locks! My favourite place would have to be the Comedy Store – it’s free for students on Sundays!Â
Keep a look out on the SU website for more upcoming fund-rasiers from the Filipino Society!Â
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(Photo credits to Ahlia)Â