Students’ fundraising marks 8,000 hours of volunteering for University

A campaign to log the thousands of volunteering hours staff and students at the University of Gloucestershire undertake within the local community has reached 8,000 hours.

Bank It, a joint campaign by the University and its Students’ Union, broke through the 8,000 hours barrier at a 12-hour Zumbathon organised by first year of BEd Primary Education students from the University.

31 students took part in the marathon Zumbathon, which took place at the University’s Pittville campus in Cheltenham today (Thursday, 30 April). The event is one of a number of fundraising activities organised by Primary Education students, raising money for locally-based, national charity, Winston’s Wish.

Students Emily Harris and Chris Mooney have been instrumental in organising the Zumbathon and some of their fellow students, a number of whom live at Pittville campus, have organised a flashmob in a lecture and a fundraising pyjama day, all aimed at raising awareness and money for Winston’s Wish.

Speaking about the decision to support Winston’s Wish, Emily said: “During November all of us on the Primary Education course undertook a 3-week work placement in a local school. A number of us saw first-hand the amazing work that Winston’s Wish do within schools and positive affect they have on children, so it was easy for us to choose them as our chosen charity.

“Fundraising and giving time through volunteering in is really worthwhile and we are all excited to be part of the Bank It campaign. When you are giving your time for a good cause, you are actively involved in making a difference to people. As students living in the local area it is also our way of giving something back, and playing our part in the community in which we live and study.”

Sue Hughes, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Winston’s Wish, added: “We’re hugely grateful to all of the volunteers from the University of Gloucestershire, who have provided invaluable time and skills to enable Winston’s Wish to support bereaved children and families. The 8,000 hour milestone is a fantastic achievement and we would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful team of students who have donated their time so generously to Winston’s Wish.”

The Bank It campaign, launched in December last year, aims to ‘bank’ as many volunteering hours by the end of the year as possible.

To make a donation visit the JustGiving page.
For more information visit the Bank It website.