Find out how on earth, a simple project at first, came to reality and rose to achieve more than £800 for the Shakespeare Hospice association.

On Saturday 28 January a group of French students studying Hospitality Management at Stratford-upon-Avon College| held a fund raising event in Stratford town centre and raised the staggering sum of £826 for Shakespeare Hospice Association by selling cakes and drinks and busking in the street. “We are very proud of the students for their efforts and enthusiasm to help a local charity and we would like to congratulate them all” said Hilary Allen, Programme Manager.

Here are some of the comments of the students who took part:

“As Bachelor Hospitality| Students at Stratford-upon-Avon College, despite the heavy workload we like the idea of always creating challenges, and pushing off the limits. A month ago we were having a drink in a pub, seated around a table, when we come up with this idea of going out there in the streets and volunteering ourselves. More than just a simple project, we thought that leaving a positive mark on the small town we had been living in for three years for the majority of us, would be a very good initiative before we all go back to France for the second term at Ecole de Savignac” explained Jimmy Jacquet BA student.

And it worked out pretty well, the result was there and the target of £500 set by the students was easily beaten.

“Despite the freezing cold it was a great team building activity as everyone took part in the organization of this event. Thanks to the help of the local Council, and of the Hospice we obtained all the essential information and legal requirements we needed to take into account before anything could take place. All the French students put a lot of effort in the organization of the event. Split up in small groups, everyone had a task and something to focus on. Every little helped! We sold homemade cakes, some of us were singing and playing music, while others were offering to take pictures with our lovely teddy bear or chatting with locals and tourists” said Valentin Devaux Chupin BA student.

Somebody even shared a video on YouTube of the students singing in the streets|.  This was a very good experience and we definitely advise you to give it a try one day. Such chances do not come around that often.

With last year’s students raising funds for Children in Need, who knows what the next group will get up to. Now we have done our bit, and we truly hope the Hospice will make good use of this money and will sufficiently help those in need.

Special thanks go to local support Q Hotels (Stratford Manor| & the Stratford|), Stratford-upon-Avon College|, Box Brownie|, Midas Bar|, Kings Hotel| (Chipping Campden), Sketts| and of course the Shakespeare Hospice|.

Stratford-upon-Avon College offers hospitality courses to young people in Warwickshire, Coventry, Solihull and internationally.|