Local Charities Benefit from Enterprising Students!

Two local charities are benefitting from fundraising efforts made by Fife College students studying at the College’s Levenmouth Campus in Methilhaven Road, Buckhaven.

The 17 Access to Retail students raised an amazing £646 from designing and selling their own products over the Christmas and New Year period and have split the funds to help two charities, Arden House Project and Home-Start Levenmouth.

The products were initially showcased in their merchandising cabinets at the new Levenmouth Campus where other students and staff were able to view and purchase the collection. There were also events held at the College campus and at the Poppyview Family Centre Christmas Fair which also helped to boost funds. Representatives from both charities visited the students recently and were presented with cheques for the funds raised.

Popular products designed and sold by the group included Christmas plates and personalised mugs and the students created a brochure and on-line marketing to promote their wares.

Karen Dyce, who is the group’s lecturer, is extremely proud of their efforts and said: “This group of students have gone the extra mile putting in time and effort above and beyond their course work. The range of products were extremely popular and orders came in thick and fast from fellow students and staff which the team managed well.

“The Business Enterprise project enables students to take part in a valuable real life business experience and puts to good use many of the skills they are being taught in class, such as problem-solving, creativity, presenting and time management. The group’s hard work and commitment has certainly paid off and helped both themselves and the community in which they live.”

Arden House Project is an organisation which provides a range of services, including day centre services for older people living independently in the community who are at risk of social isolation due to complex health needs - for further details visit www.ardenproject.org.uk

Home-Start Levenmouth offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children living in the Levenmouth area - further information about the charity can be found by visiting www.homestartlevenmouth.org.uk

Access to Retail student, Teri Lumsden (23) from Methil said: “The enterprise project was great fun and helped us put into practice the skills we have learned in college and raise funds for a great cause. I’ve made new friends, thanks to this course, and we’ve supported each other over the weeks. I would thoroughly recommend the Access to Retail course to anyone looking to get back in to work.”

Applications are open now for courses beginning in August – for further details visit www.fife.ac.uk or call 0344 2480115.