ARA

The ARA has once again committed funds to the University of Stellenbosch in support of their annual Buddy campaign to combat abuse and in particular drunk driving.

During Stellenbosch RAG/orientation week first-year students engaged in various activities which included the Buddy Expos – a fun mascot dance that focuses on responsible drinking. All first-years were handed Buddy promotional material, such as the logos, which they were required to visibly display at all times.

Due to the enthusiasm and the fierce competition amongst the residences for the coveted trophies, Buddy was omnipresent and visible at all times.

The annual Stellenbosch Buddy Bus transport to and from town during RAG/orientation week once again proved to be extremely popular.

“The Buddy busses are now so well known, that we are receiving random phone calls requesting Buddy busses for all sorts of events which have no connection to RAG activities,” said Jill Galliet , Manager of Maties Rag Committee 2010.

All the advertisements for RAG events carried the ARA/Buddy logo and colourful promotional spreads in the Burger and Eikestadnuus made a huge impact. The Buddy campaign was marketed for two months on MFM 92.6 – a youth-oriented radio station based in Stellenbosch.  “The posters which we designed ourselves were so popular, that we had to reprint in order to keep up with the demand,” adds Jill.

“Thank you so much for the support. ARA makes a visible difference each year.  According to several sources, Buddy is now a tradition on the University of Stellenbosch Campus.  We could not do it without ARA!” concludes Jill.