Pembrokeshire College first year Business students presented the Paul Sartori Foundation with a cheque for £482.21 having raised funds by running a charity fair.

Tasked with planning an event to raise money for charity, the students were quick to nominate the Paul Sartori Foundation after some members of the group had received their support when a family member fell ill.

The first year students took control of the project which saw them scouring all 12 Paul Sartori shops in the county for items to sell at the Charity Fair, held at the college. The students made delicious waffles to draw customers in and selected a giant teddy bear for a ‘Name the Teddy’ raffle. Aiming to appeal to fellow-students, the group also ran a game stall selling turns on an X-Box for 50 pence a go.

First year Business student, Ross Mathias said: “It was great to raise money for the charity. They were really supportive and came in to give us promotional t-shirts and banners which gave a professional look to the fair.”

The students benefited greatly from working with a local charity, not only because the charity participated in their event, but because the students have seen first-hand the invaluable support that they provide.

“It’s good to help a local charity that will support a lot of people who are close to us,” said fellow student Mari Evans.

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides hands-on care and equipment loan in the homes of people living in the later stages of any life-limiting illness. The services are provided free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and rely heavily on the generosity of Pembrokeshire people who raise funds for these vital services.

Working on this live project has given the Business students experience and useful real-life skills that will benefit their CV, future job interviews or university applications.

“Myself and other members of the team were delighted to see the commitment and enthusiasm of the students and were thrilled to have been selected by the students as their charity of the year and to work alongside them at this event” added Judith Williams, fundraising co-ordinator at the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Want to see the group in action? Catch the Spring Fair at Pembrokeshire College running from March 23. Visit pembs.ac.uk/courses for information on courses available at Pembrokeshire College.