Colchester Institute’s charity fundraising activity sees their first participation in the renowned BRIT Challenge

Staff and students at Colchester Institute are celebrating after collectively raising over £4,000 for various charities.

Dedicated fundraising activities took place throughout the academic year in order to achieve the significant sum, with donations already made to various charitable causes. 

A momentous first for the College was participating in the renowned annual British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) Challenge. The BRIT Challenge is a nationwide feel-good fundraiser for the Higher Education and Further Education Sectors, focusing on improving the mental health and fitness of young adults and students throughout the UK. 

Staff and students at the college embraced the challenge in their own unique ways. Some took on personal challenges, aligned with the theme of ‘23’ whilst others embarked on a collective journey, covering 23 miles per week using exercise machines in the college gym. 

The finale of the challenge culminated in a marathon cycle event where staff and students energetically cycled for 23 minutes each, leading to a collective distance of 163 miles cycled in a college day. 

Staff and students raised £2,115 and surpassing their fundraising target, the funds were distributed evenly between The British Inspiration Trust and Student Minds. 

The fundraising efforts didn’t stop there. Students passionately engaged in additional charitable initiatives, including students from the School of Art, who sold their work in a pop-up shop to raise over £500 for Colchester Food Bank, whilst the Early Years and Foundation and Supported Learning students ran separate bake sales for Children in Need, raising over £300.

Students from the college’s Braintree Campus were also heavily involved, organising a charity football match over the Easter Break. The game raised a staggering £1,031, with all proceeds going to Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund. The Business students also managed to raise £322 for Farleigh Hospice while undertaking personal entrepreneurial activities as part of their course.

Colchester Institute’s Principal and Chief Executive Alison Andreas expressed her delight in the collective efforts of the entire college community.

“I’m always inspired by the lengths our young people will go to, to help others.  I’m also mindful that in doing so, they also gain valuable skills such as team working, planning and organising, accounting and communication; all important skills for the world of work they will enter into.”