On occasion of our 50th anniversary, CUUEG decided to organize a fundraising event and (s)elected the present CUUEG air officer as the main fundraiser. The proceeds were to be divided evenly between the Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) in Plymouth and the club. The DDRC was considered an excellent charity as they provide emergency recompression treatment for divers, perform research into diving physiology, as well as using hyperbaric oxygen treatment as therapy for a wide range of non-diving related illnesses.
The DDRC research director was happy to send us electronic copies of various scientific posters describing latest DDRC research. These were printed out at work free-of-charge thanks to my charitable boss and displayed at the anniversary evening, just in case guests were unfamiliar with our charity. As a new club target, CUUEG opted to launch the Nitrox Compressor Appeal, which undoubtedly will be the focus of long-term fundraising efforts. With the inclusion of the Nitrox qualification in the OD/SD syllabus, the use of EANx has already expanded in CUUEG, and is likely to do so in the future. For this reason, a nitrox compressor was considered a sound investment and a facility which would benefit all club members and their diving safety.
Support for our cause in the form of money, raffle items or vouchers was rallied by canvassing Cambridge University Colleges and numerous local businesses, including the regular haunt for our club meetings The Panton Arms. In addition, many scuba gear manufacturers and dive shops were contacted via email and at DIVE2007. Fantastic raffle items were also donated by one of our guests
of honour, BSAC NDO Sean Gribben thanks again. At the same time, this occasion provided me with an excellent opportunity to level the playing field with all those colleagues and friends asking me for charity donations in the past! Unfortunately, my initial plan of joining our departmental running club for one evening in full scuba gear except fins was not realized due to my inflamed shoulder, so I rustled up a large lunch buffet instead which was much enjoyed by everyone.
To cut a long story short, the response was overwhelming and provided us with enough raffle prizes not just for our 50th anniversary, but also our next annual dinner. The most valuable prizes, such as aluminium cylinders, a soft shell jacket and silver jewellery, were converted into hard currency in a blind auction, whereas smaller items and vouchers were put into the general raffle.
