University of Sunderland business students have broken a fundraising record by turning a £25 seed fund into more than £12,700 for a North East children’s charity.
Freshman economics and management students took part in the university’s annual Take £25 Challenge, working in teams to raise as much money as possible with a starting budget of just £25 each. Within four weeks, 24 teams raised an impressive £12,743.30 with Gift Aid for The Children’s Foundation – the highest total since the challenge began.
Fundraising events ranged from bake sales and raffles to food stalls, lucky charms and carnival-style games, culminating in a celebration at the Reg Vardy Center on St Peter’s Campus.
Marketing and business lecturer Iraa Wimpenny, who is leading the challenge, said the students had shown “extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit”.
“As an instructor, I am very proud of the amazing determination of our students,” she said. “Their creativity, teamwork and willingness to take risks reflect the mindset that makes successful founders and business leaders.
“This is a first year core module, meaning students start building these skills from the start. By the time they graduate they will have the practical experience, confidence and commercial awareness that employers are looking for.”
The winning team, North East Giving, raised more than £2,500 – the highest single team total in the challenge’s history.
Team member Farhan Peeran said the experience was “incredible”.
“The donation of just over £2,500 showed us how powerful teamwork and community engagement can be when combined with a meaningful cause,” he said. “We hope that our efforts will make a meaningful contribution to the children’s foundation.”
Founded in 1990, The Children’s Foundation supports at-risk and marginalized young people across the Northeast by funding mental health programs in schools, baby boxes for new families and community gardens.
Chief executive Sean Soulsby said the pupils’ achievements had been “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Turning £25 into more than £12,000 is an extraordinary achievement,” he said. “Their entrepreneurial spirit reflects the best of what our region’s young people can achieve.”
Dr. Yvonne Dixon-Todd, Head of the Faculty of Business, Management and Tourism, added: “It’s great to see our students really getting involved in this entrepreneurial initiative. So many business skills are being developed and a fantastic amount of money is being raised for such a good cause.”
