Rag Day rakes in record cash (From This is The West Country)

Rag Day rakes in record cash

12:07pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Somerset By Kirsty James

STUDENTS from Bridgwater College raised £11,000 for charity from their Raise and Give Day – breaking previous records.

Hundreds of students donned their best fancy dress and grabbed their collecting tins in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The Students’ Union organised fund-raising activities in the lead-up to RAG Day, as well as events on the day itself, such as a fashion show, talent show and karaoke event. Students entertained shoppers in town with festive music and carols.

Georgia Hodges, Students’ Union President, said: “I’m very proud of the Union members for putting in so much effort to making RAG Day a success.

“It has taken a lot of organisation, but the day and night went very smoothly. A lot of people outside the college think it’s just an excuse for students to get drunk – it’s not. I’d like to stress it’s a charity event.

“The charities were considered carefully and we are delighted with the sum of money raised.”

The SU thanked The Palace nightclub for allowing them to use the hall for free, meaning more money went to the charities from ticket sales.

Head of Student Services Mark Nettle said: “The students view this as one of the most important days on the calendar.

“We worked very hard with the local police, supermarkets and publicans to try and ensure this was a safe and fun event for all.”

To see the photos visit our gallery at www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news/galleries/bridgwater_college_rag_day_2012/