University of Bristol students raise funds for Turkey and Syria

Will Standring News Reporter

University to End Ties with Arms Trade Companies’ was raised to be renewed. The motion directed the SU to call on the University to ‘to divest from arms trade companies linked to alleged human rights abuses’, and ‘to support any student movement against arms trade links in the University of Bristol’.

It sought the University’s divestment from ‘arms companies linked to human rights abuses’ through targeting careers fairs attended by these companies and pushing the SU to lobby the University to ‘create a progressive plan to divest from arms trade companies’.

The proposal was opposed by members of AeroSoc, the University’s Aerospace Engineering Department Society, who argued, among other points, that this motion has a disproportionate impact upon the career individuals being photographed while voting, without consequence.

The hybrid nature of the event allegedly also led to votes being collected via emoji reacts to group chat messages.

AeroSoc raised concerns regarding the Chair’s comments on the validity of the results. Organisers stated that the threatening online messages implied that the results (which are normally rati ed) may not be by the student council.

In the open letter, Bouchard-Saunders stated that ‘this suggestion that the results of a vote could be e ectively thrown out was backed up with zero supporting arguments, and felt simply like a statement to reassure some voters that the result was potentially invalid.

‘It is appalling that the Chair of a democratic and impartial com-

University of Bristol’s Turkish Society has announced several days of fundraising for the victims of Monday’s earthquake.

The initial earthquake, magnitude 7.8, hit Southern Turkey at 4:17 am local time on Monday and was followed by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock at 1:25 in the afternoon.

Neighbouring nations Israel, Jordan and Lebanon all felt the shocks, but it was Syria and Turkey where the quakes have done the most damage. The combined Syrian and Turkish death toll has passed 22,750 and is rising as rescue e orts continue, often in sub-zero conditions.

TurkSoc told Epigram: ‘As Turkish society this disaster hits home for us, so we want to do whatever we can to help our brothers and sisters back in our home country. It is likely this is going to be a long-term situation so as many proceeds possible is important, and urgently needed.

'Proceeds can make a big di erence for a ected families who have nothing right now, have lost their homes or require search and rescue e orts to rescue members of the community.

Any support and e ort to support the Turkey-Syria earthquake is appreciated and every little bit of it matters.'

UoB’s Turkish society’s e orts begin on Saturday when they will be bucketing in Cabot Circus.

Stationed in front of the Primark, the TurkSoc volunteers will be accepting donations (cash and card) and spreading awareness.

In a post on their Instagram story, they said they ‘appreciate everything’, be that emotional or nancial support.

Students looking to volunteer can join the TurkSoc WhatsApp chat using the following link: https://tr.ee/GehT4La5hJ

On Monday, TurkSoc will be hosting a baking event in the Multifaith Chaplaincy (Woodland Road) from 6-9 pm. Entry to the event costs £3, which covers the cost of ingredients with any excess funds being donated to charity.

Tickets can be purchased via the Society app.

Twitter: @EpigramOpinion