November is often renamed Movember, as people all across the world grow moustaches to support charitable causes related to Men’s Health. This year, a group of 16 first year T Level Engineering students at Alton College decided to join in the action, growing moustaches and dedicating their fundraising efforts to Alton College’s Food Bank.
The Food Bank was established after the College’s Health & Wellbeing department began to identify increased numbers of Alton students struggling with essential items such as food basics, deodorant and toothpaste. Since its inception, the Food Bank has been available to all students and staff at Alton, allowing them to overcome a significant barrier that would otherwise have hindered their ability to engage in education.
Overall, the students raised £266.10, a fantastic achievement. The money was then used to purchase a very large food shop which was delivered to Alton College on December 4. The shop had a wide variety of food and other non-perishables, including pasta, rice, long-life milk, tins, toiletries, crackers, juice and cereal, helping to ensure that the Food Bank continues to operate as a vital source of help for those who need it.
The Engineering students were joined by their teacher, Malcolm Buchanan, who also grew a moustache in solidarity with the first years. Speaking about the fundraising campaign, Malcolm said:
“It’s important to thank not only the students involved in the fundraising, but all the members of staff who very kindly donated to our cause. To raise this much money in a month is a massive achievement, and would not have been possible without the donations, big and small. Thank you all very much for your support, we’ll see you next year!”