CQUniversity staff and students raised almost $1000 to help the victims of the recent Japanese disasters.

The money was generated mostly from a lunchtime barbecue held on the Rockhampton campus, although contributions were also made from the University's other regional campuses.

Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman, along with Kathy Ramm and Janelle Allen, present the cheque to Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Rodney Walters.A cheque was officially presented to the Salvation Army this week.

"Our University was shocked and saddened by the news of the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year; and as we had a number of Japanese students studying here at the time, many from the affected areas, we felt responsible to help in some way," explained CQUniversity International Director Kathy Ramm.

"We decided to stage a Japan Disaster Appeal which included a barbecue on campus and have since raised more than $983 to help support those affected by the disasters.

"We know by donating the funds to the Salvation Army our money will be used where it is most needed and our contribution will be felt."

CQUniversity's Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said University staff and students wanted relay the same compassion and concern that others had shown them in recent months.

"It was the Miyagi University of Education that was among the first to extend its hand of friendship to CQUniversity during the floods earlier in the year; a simple act of humanity that will forever remain in the heart of our University.

"We hope this donation can help some of the victims of those horrible events in Japan recover and move forward."