Fabulous at fifty and fundraising
Although reaching your 50th birthday is generally an excuse to book a dream holiday, or buy an expensive gadget or piece of jewellery, a Birmingham Metropolitan College lecturer decided that her special day would be about giving, not receiving. Instead of accepting birthday cards and gifts, Lorna Sawyers hosted a fundraising party for Cancer Research UK; with help from some of her students.
“A few of my friends have been affected by cancer, so as I approached the big 5-0, I felt compelled to do something different and really special to recognise what they have endured,” explained Fashion Lecturer, Lorna.
“Family and friends were really supportive of my idea to hold a 50th party where we could raise money for charity. And when I approached my students about them designing and making their own merchandise to sell on the night, they were really up for the idea.”
Over £2,000 was raised by BTEC Fashion and Graphic Design students who set up their own pop-up shop at the birthday party and sold books, t shirts, pictures, bags and mugs; all with their own work printed on.
“All the hard work that my students put into the event led to them gaining an additional qualification and gave them the chance to showcase their talent to a whole new audience,” Lorna continued.
“I was more than happy not to receive any birthday presents; I really just wanted to support the charity and was thrilled at how successful the event was.
“I also enjoyed a birthday I will never forget.”
For further information about Cancer Research UK visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
For further information about Birmingham Metropolitan College, visit www.bmetc.ac.uk
ENDS
For more media information please contact:
Shobby Patel
Telephone: 0121 446 45 45 ext.8144 or
email:shobhna.patel@bmetc.ac.uk
January 2012
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