JCR Charities Committee
The JCR charities committee is off to a great start this year with charities officers Amber Dansoh (2021 CAAH), Alice Jardine (2021 Geography) and Cecily Broughton (2021 Geography) showing great enthusiasm and commitment to their roles.
Alongside their studies, they have successfully organised several events so far. Michaelmas Term saw a fantastic Jazz-themed night in the bar, for which they sold £505 in tickets, allowing a substantial donation to their nominated charity Médecins Sans Frontières, an international humanitarian organisation providing medical care in more than 72 countries, working to save people’s lives in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics.
The charities team and some 144 guests donned their favourite pink clothing for a fabulous formal dinner organised during Pink Week, a student-run initiative in support of five breast cancer charities, including CoppaFeel! and Black Women Rising. The committee were able to raise £360 through adding just £2.50 to the original cost of formal dinner in Hall.
One focus for the team has been to forge connections with the Old Fire Station, a community arts centre for creativity in Oxford housing two organisations: the homelessness charity Crisis and Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS). Amber, Alice and Cecily were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the centre, and left feeling truly inspired by this space which so boldly prioritises social inclusion and collaboration between different sections of society. The committee are hoping to encourage Keble students to engage with the centre—in particular there is a call for volunteers for the Marmalade Festival taking place within the Old Fire Station which promises to bring together community organisations, local authorities, educational institutions and local residents in an attempt to learn how to make the city better for everyone.
Symbolically bringing together members of the University and local residents, the charities committee are also encouraging students to run the Bidwells Oxford ‘Town and Gown,’ a 10k fun run taking place on 14 May. All funds will go to Muscular Dystrophy UK. There is plenty of time to get training so you’re ready for the start line!
There is a wealth of opportunity for students and the wider College community to become more involved in charity work, whether it be through volunteering, taking part in a challenge or attending one of the formals organised by the charities team. Congratulations to Amber, Alice and Cecily for your successful events and dedication to the charities committee so far this year. It is inspiring to witness such generosity within the Keble community.
