Business students at the University of Sunderland have smashed fundraising records after turning a £25 seed fund into more than £12,700 for a North East children’s charity.
First-year Business and Management students took part in the university’s annual “Take £25 Challenge”, working in teams to raise as much money as possible from a starting budget of just £25 each. Over four weeks, 24 teams generated an impressive £12,743.30 with Gift Aid for The Children’s Foundation — the highest total since the challenge began.
Fundraising efforts ranged from bake sales and raffles to food stalls, lucky dips and carnival-style games, culminating in a celebration event at the Reg Vardy Centre on St Peter’s Campus.
Lecturer in Marketing and Business Iraa Wimpenny, who leads the challenge, said students had shown “exceptional entrepreneurial drive”.
“As their lecturer, I’m very proud of the amazing determination shown by our students,” she said. “Their creativity, teamwork and willingness to take risks reflect the mindset that defines successful founders and business leaders.
“This is a core first-year module, which means students begin building these capabilities from the very start. By the time they graduate, they will have the practical experience, confidence and commercial awareness that employers look for.”
The winning team, North East Giving, raised more than £2,500 — the highest individual team total in the challenge’s history.
Team member Farhan Peeran said the experience had been “incredible”.
“Raising just over £2,500 taught us how powerful teamwork and community engagement can be when combined with a meaningful cause,” he said. “We hope our efforts make a meaningful contribution to The Children’s Foundation.”
Founded in 1990, The Children’s Foundation supports vulnerable and marginalised young people across the North East, funding mental-health programmes in schools, baby boxes for new families and community allotments.
Chief executive Sean Soulsby said the students’ achievements had been “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Turning £25 into over £12,000 is an extraordinary achievement,” he said. “Their entrepreneurial spirit reflects the very best of what our region’s young people can achieve.”
Dr Yvonne Dixon-Todd, Head of the School of Business, Management and Tourism, added: “It is brilliant to see our students really engaging in this entrepreneurial initiative. So many business skills are being developed, and a fantastic sum has been raised for such a worthy cause.”