West Nottinghamshire College charity year smashes fundraising records

All the health and social care students who have been involved in raising and giving month

Over the last academic year, 39 charities including Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, MIND, Children in Need, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Breast Cancer Care have received donations from the college.

The cash has been raised through initiatives and fun activities often planned by students such as sponsored fancy dress, fundraising dinners, raffles and tombolas, leg waxes and profits made from enterprise activities.

Student experience manager Sue Harries said: “I am so thrilled that the college has exceeded our original goal of raising £15,000 for our charities this year.

“Everyone has worked so hard and so generously to give what they can for people and concerns which need our help.

“This, together with our students’ efforts with volunteering in the community really does help to make a difference to people’s lives.

“Many students themselves have said how worthwhile and heart-warming it feels to give something back.”

Marie Oakton, outgoing president of the student’s union said the amount raised was a record, surpassing all expectations and almost doubling last years total.

She said: “I think it is because the students are working together more. In the past they have done it as part of their different groups.

“The NUS has organised tutorials on fundraising which has encouraged more people to get involved.

The tutorials cover how to get involved and come up with ideas as well as the legal aspects of fundraising like getting permits to collect money.

“As part of the tutorials students came up with their own fundraising ideas.”

Students have set the bar even higher for next year with a target of raising a total of £25,000.

She added: “Hopefully work more in communities, Mansfield District Council and more sports clubs in the area.

“We already are involved in Children in Need and Comic Relief.

“We are very proud of the efforts of students and staff.

“As well as raising the profile of the college, it is a useful addition to a student’s CV to have been involved in charity fundraising.”

Captions:

nmac-west notts college Stu.JPG: Students Victoria Norton and Kathryn Dobbins help Sainsbury’s deputy manager Gary Evans deal with his waxing pain.

nmac-west notts college Spo.JPG: Sports facilities co-ordinator Rachel Foster and student Ryan Bromyard with the smoothie bike.

nmac-west notts college Emi.JPG Emily Driver (left) and Beth Moss (right) with Pudsey Bear at West Nottinghamshire College.

nmac-west notts collegeCate.JPG: West Notts College Catering and hospitality students proudly present their £3000 cheque to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice .

nmac-west notts college he.JPG: Health and social care students involved in the raising and giving month.