Santa Dash raises cash to help students volunteer in Africa
Over 150 Chesterfield College students and staff joined forces with local organisations and businesses for a festive Santa Dash around Chesterfield’s Queens Park today.
The sea of Santas and festive runners raised money to help a group of students travel to Africa in the summer of 2017 to volunteer on construction, education and sports projects in some of the poorest communities.
So far the first of the fundraising efforts has raised almost £700 but this total is expected to increase as more sponsorship money comes in before the deadline of 12th January.
Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Steve Brunt officially started the dash and then joined the sea of Santas and festive runners as they ran four laps of the park. He also presented prizes of a Kindle Fire, donated by CCM media solutions, for the best dressed runner to Level 3 Public Services student, Kelvin Johnston and Nando’s vouchers for the best dressed team to L3 Sport and Exercise Students, Tom Bastock, Sam Vardy and Sam Bramwell for their crocheted Santa beards and unusual part of Santa’s wardrobe!
Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College, said:
“I want to thank everyone who got involved in the Santa Dash. Runners, sponsors and those who donate prizes all help to make the event a success.
“It was great to see our staff, students and local businesses back the students who want to travel with African Adventures as volunteers. I know the trip to Ghana last year had a big impact on both the students and the people in village where they worked.
“The money raised at this event is a great start that allows us to give more students the chance to do the same next summer.
“This kind of opportunity gives students the kind of life experience that you can’t teach in a classroom. It is vital that young people are given the chance to develop skills for life so we are keen to make sure our students can take part in volunteering projects at home or abroad to help them do that.”
