Exeter College students raised almost £5,000 for their nominated charities during the 2019/20 academic year, with both Exeter Foodbank and Cancer Research UK receiving £2,479.34 each. 

The funds had been raised across the previous academic year with a variety of student and cross-college events raising money for the incredibly worthwhile causes. 

The Exeter College Students’ Union takes an active role in fundraising activities, and students and staff from across the College voted for Exeter Foodbank and Cancer Research UK to be the recipients of the efforts. 

Exeter College Deputy Head of Student Experience Megan Snell said, “We’re incredibly proud of all our students for raising a huge amount of money for these two charities. 

“The last academic year had some challenges but to raise such a great amount of money during the course of the year is a testament to the students’ hard work and dedication to supporting both Exeter Foodbank and Cancer Research UK.”  

The Manager of Exeter Foodbank, Mark Richardson, said, “The support that we received from Exeter College was amazing. At a time when our work was constantly expanding, the support of local groups has been greatly appreciated. We have seen numbers of clients regularly increasing as we have battled against the economic impacts of Coronavirus.  

“The week before Christmas, we served nearly 400 clients! Without the support of places like Exeter College, we could not do this work, and support so many people. Thank you.” 

Students get involved in fundraising throughout their time with Exeter College, with community-focused projects embedded in full time students’ Personal Development Programme while studying with the College.  

Megan added, “We always try to help our students lead on projects like this, so they can truly contribute to things that matter to them. That’s why we let students and staff vote for the charities we’ll be fundraising for throughout the year and let students find ways to help raise money for them, whether that’s through bake sales, charity events and other activities.”  

The College’s charities for the 2020/21 academic year are Devon Air Ambulance and Children with Cancer UK and fundraising is already well underway.