Aston business students set to raise funds for Meningitis UK in just 24 hours
Ambitious business students from Aston University will be getting into the spirit of giving with a series of fundraising stunts in the style of popular TV show The Apprentice.Six budding entrepreneurs from Aston Business School have just 24 hours to make as much profit as possible from an initial £50, and all proceeds will go towards national charity Meningitis UK.
They hope to raise £1,500 towards the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign and a balloon race will be held in Birmingham city centre on Saturday, December 15 to kick-start the fundraising.
Shoppers can buy and then release a helium-filled balloon for £1 each. Each has a unique ID tag and the balloon which has travelled the furthest within a month will win £50 for its owner and £10 for its lucky finder.
Leading figures from Birmingham have already shown their support by buying a balloon, including Sir Adrian Cadbury.
Professor Michael West, head of Aston Business School, said: "This is an innovative idea for raising money. It's a great example of how our students offer an inspiring example for business and the community. They demonstrate so well the value of putting creativity and business knowledge to truly good use in society."
Other activities planned for the 24-hour charity drive include car washing, carol singing, a festive bar and a student shuttle service.
Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine campaign was launched earlier this year to help raise £7million over the next seven years to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against meningococcal group B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and there is still no vaccine.
Meningitis UK's Chief Executive Steve Dayman said "Meningitis UK has a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. In the absence of the vaccines we desperately need, early identification of the symptoms plus prompt hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
"I want to thank Aston Business School for organising this fundraising drive and thinking of us, and I hope shoppers will keep their eyes peeled for all the balloons. All money raised will go towards our vital work."
For more information about Meningitis UK, or to support the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
