College auctions NHS bear
An NHS-themed bear has raised more than £75 for charity after being auctioned by a Horsham college.
The fundraiser was part of The Richard Collyer Students Union’s (RCU) charitable Christmas activities and the money raised by the bear was donated to the St Catherine’s Hospice.
Principal Dan Lodge said: “The St Catherine’s Hospice is an incredible charity and we are delighted that the RCU chose to raise funds for them this Christmas.”
The crocheted bear, which has a removable mask and cap as well as mask adjustors, was made and donated by Vicky Atwell from Collyer’s’ syudy support team .
Vicky has been busy crocheting to raise funds for key charities during these challenging times, and had been making the bears during the summer for local hospitals before coming up with the idea to auction one for Christmas.
RCU manager Karen Stanton, who helped coordinate the project with the students, said: “Big thanks to Vicky and to the RCU students for making this possible.”
The successful bidders for the bear were those from the college’s business studies department.
Head of business studies and assistant director of business faculty, Roger Raymond said: “We were delighted that our bid was successful and we are delighted to welcome the bear to the department. We just need to agree to a name!”
Business studies teacher Lani Douangchak added: “The business department are happy to support such a great charity – the bear will take pride of place in our office!”
In addition to the money raised for St Catherine’s Hospice, the RCU have also been supporting the ‘Love in a Box’ charity, with the Collyer’s community managing to fill 50 boxes full of gifts for young people at the YMCA.
Deputy principal Steve Martell said: “All within the Collyer’s community could not be prouder of this creative and inspiring charitable work!”