ESCP’s London Campus has an extremely active Student Clubs & Societies scene, allowing for a rich extra-curricular experience alongside classes. 

We like to spotlight societies that are making the biggest impact, and this month it’s the turn of the Cheer Up London! society. We interviewed the Society’s President, Nguyen Phuong Thao, to find out more about the work done by the team.


Who can join your activity group and what does it involve? 
Our selection process differs from other societies because the reasons to join Cheer Up! can be incredibly touching and personal. In any case, volunteers must be ready to work in teams and have a stock of unlimited ideas to pitch for each event. Therefore, we don't hold any numerical test or three-round interviews. Anyone can join as long as they are motivated, friendly and creative! 

That is not to say that we didn't have to make some choices this year. To our delight, so many students on campus were interested in joining the team and all of them had ideas to suggest. We had to narrow down the candidates based on their application letter to form the current team of 20 dedicated volunteers that we have today. 


What would you say to someone who wants to join but isn’t sure?
First of all, I would urge you to join us for the cause. Cancer is a disease that can affect you or your loved ones at any time. As a volunteer of Cheer Up! you will have the chance to raise money for cancer research, to accompany young patients, and to battle this epidemic plaguing humankind - just like a superhero. 

Joining Cheer Up London! is also an opportunity to gain a very useful set of skills: there is a lot to learn in the days leading up to an event when you’re juggling between contacting sponsors, correcting budget plans and putting the final touches to your communication posters! You will no doubt leave this experience as a new, more organised and proficient worker. 

Finally, if you want to witness the beginning of something great, Cheer Up London! is the place to be. We are only two years old and there’s a lot to do to reach the same activity level as our Paris branch. We have exciting projects, like signing a contract with local hospitals to visit patients or concluding a deal with a sponsor for monthly financial aid. With your help, we will get there much faster. 


What has been your proudest moment as a member of your society? 
I have very fond memories of our ‘Wear it Pink’ bake sale - Cheer Up London's first event of the year which raised money during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

It was the end of the day and we were all recounting the money for the third time - a painstaking task given the amount of change people gave us. Every time, it added right up to £538, which was a 64.9% increase from last year's donation! We really couldn’t believe it; we were so exhilarated to be able to contribute this much to the cause. 

I felt very proud being a part of a team who put so much heart into what they were doing and I hope our next events will be just as much of a success. 


What has your society planned for this year? 
Cheer Up London! holds an awareness and fundraising event every month, starting with a bake sale in October. Our event for November (Men’s Cancer Awareness Month, also called ‘Movember’) is happening right now! 

On Monday 18th and Wednesday 20th November, we are hosting a photoshoot for the students of ESCP called ‘PHOTO-vember’. A very talented photographer in our team graciously offered to let us borrow her time and equipment to take pictures of the whole school. For just £1 per person, you can get a picture for your CV, your Instagram, or pay a small fee to get it printed and put it on your shelf. The cherry on the cake is this: for each photo that you take, you get one ticket for our Instagram contest giveaway. I won’t tease, but you wouldn’t want to miss the amazing giveaway prizes!

As for the rest of the year, you definitely should keep an eye out for us. Our future events include a Christmas tombola and a Rose Delivery Service for Valentine’s Day!


What does being a member of the Cheer Up! society mean to you? 
For me, being a Cheer Up! member mainly means three things: commitment, because volunteers work hard and give their best in what they do; compassion for those around you, and you doing what you can to help the world; and courage to stand up for what you believe in and to dedicate your time and energy to support that cause. 


If you would like to become a member of this society, please email: cheerup.london.escpeurope@gmail.com
You can also visit their Instagram and Facebook accounts. 

 

 

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