Staff and students at Solihull Sixth Form College have achieved a remarkable fundraising total in 2025, generating over £17,000 for a diverse array of worthy causes. The efforts have spanned international projects, national appeals, and charities close to the heart of the college community in the West Midlands.
International Focus and Trust-Wide Charity
A significant portion of this year's fundraising was dedicated to the college's Team Gambia volunteer project. This initiative successfully raised more than £12,000 for the Abuko Nursery and Lower Basic School in West Africa.
As part of the Summit Learning Trust, the college also supported the trust's official annual charity, Kids Village. This organisation funds life-changing respite holidays for children with critical illnesses. Fundraising for Kids Village began in February with a Valentine's Day event that brought in £281.75.
The campaign continued with a Summer Fun Day featuring food vendors, a photobooth, a rodeo bull, a bungee run, and traditional stalls like 'hook a duck' and 'soak a teacher'. An exotic animal stand also proved popular. Students purchased tickets to take part, raising a further £652.71 for the cause.
Diverse Community and National Campaigns
The college community demonstrated its breadth of care through support for other major appeals. In early 2025, students backed the Islamic Relief Emergency Appeal by selling samosas, bhajis, cakes, sweets, and drinks over two days, amassing £1,306. A Community Iftar event later generated an additional £600 for the same charity through ticket sales from staff, students, and families.
Students also participated in several key national fundraising events throughout the year:
- Comic Relief in March.
- BBC Children in Need, which involved staff and students cycling 103 miles—the distance that encircles Birmingham.
- MacMillan Coffee Morning.
- Wear It Pink for breast cancer awareness.
- The Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal, where students completed sponsored walks.
Personal Causes and Awareness Initiatives
Many fundraising activities held deep personal significance for the college. A poignant £250 was raised for Shiffa Charity UK in honour of a student who had passed away.
Other impactful events included:
- Student Health Ambassadors selling fidget toys for Autism Anglia.
- A plant sale for Mental Health Awareness Week, raising money for the Oasis charity.
- The LGBTQ+ Society selling mystery bags, handmade bracelets, cakes, and stickers, raising £144.90 for Stonewall.
- A visit from Guide Dogs UK to mark National Sight Day, where dogs were brought into the college's Studio.
The year's fundraising culminated in the Autumn Term with a series of Christmas events. Christmas Jumper Day supported Save the Children UK, and further activities raised more funds for Kids Village.
Tina Champion, the college's Student Development Manager, praised the collective effort: "It's fantastic to see how much money has been raised by the college community this year. I know how much hard work has gone into the charity events that have taken place on campus, and I'm grateful to staff in the Student Development Team, as well as Student Council and other learners who have given up their time to make these events a success."
The incredible total of over £17,000 underscores a year of compassion, energy, and community spirit at Solihull Sixth Form College.
