Over the last two years student fundraising has gone from strength to strength at UWE Bristol. This was confirmed by this year's UWE RAG total being a 34% increase on last year.
They’ve done this through supporting local, national and international 60 charities and events such as the meet the guides dogs day, colour runs and RAG Week. Over 467 hours have been volunteered by students, led by a student fundraising RAG Committee.
The committee also this year launched the brand new event - Jailbreak. Teams set out from Bristol and had 36 hours to hitchhike as far as possible raising money for charity. Every team made it out of UK and travelled a total distance of 5,133 miles, all without spending a penny of their own money. The event raised a total of £2,039 for charity.
UWE RAG also led on the charitable development in the Bristol Varsity Series. Through close working with the two students' unions, Bristol RAG and the Varsity Coordinator, UWE RAG was able to establish a launch night, sell spectator tees, foam fingers and fundraise at the events. We raised over £1,800 for local charities throughout the series.
The officers have also contributed towards smashing our new total holding puppy rooms, events for World Mental Health Day, running the colour run and participating in Jailbreak.
One highlight of the fundraising efforts has been the £5500 raised for the Community Fund. This fund raises money through the year through events such as Varsity and the fireworks evening and then distributes money to local charities in small grants. This year they were able to distribute 10 community grants to the following charities:
UWE RAG offers support to all students fundraising at UWE Bristol and anyone is welcome to get involved. We’re looking forward to seeing our students set off soon to conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro and build playgrounds in Uganda. Clubs and societies have been instrumental in assisting this total with 49 clubs and societies fundraising this year. The top 5 are:
In total 35% of clubs are fundraising and even more will get involved next year. Being active with fundraising has helped societies and clubs to win awards at Societies and Sports Ball. With Riding and Islamic both taking awards for their amazing fundraising efforts.
If you would like to get involved with UWE RAG next year get in touch with rag@uwe.ac.uk to start your journey to become a fundraising ninja. Or for more information visit www.thestudentsunion.co.uk/rag