.@BarnsleyCollege raffle raises funds to end period poverty

Barnsley College’s Donate/Take initiative has raised £822 to buy sanitary products to end period poverty for students by holding a luxury raffle.

The initiative was set up by Art, Design and Fashion Tutorial Team Leader Katharine Jackson and Tutorial Learning Mentor Moz Khokhar. Donate/Take boxes have been placed in female toilets across the College campuses where staff and students can donate sanitary products that can then be taken by those who are in need.

Katharine said: “We have students who don’t come to College when they are menstruating as they don’t have the means to support themselves during this time. Having an open and approachable attitude to talking and supporting students during their period removes the stigma and taboo around this subject.”

The project’s latest fundraising initiative saw them run a College wide luxury raffle where incredible prizes, including a 32gb iPad, could be won by staff and students. The prizes were donated by College departments and local businesses such as Barnsley Morrisons Supermarket and Churchfield Dental Centre.

Moz added: “The funds raised will enable the Donate/Take initiative to support learners’ attendance and achievement throughout their time at College. The luxury raffle also raised further awareness about the initiative, as it gave people buying the tickets chance to ask questions and gain better understanding of the purpose. We had some very generous donations from departments, individuals and external companies, which helped make the raffle the success it was. We would like to thank everyone who bought tickets and all those who donated prizes.”