Last Saturday saw Oxford’s RAG-Raid team take to the streets of Bath in aid of Link Ethiopia, an educational charity.
The team of 42 managed to raise just over their target of £2,000, which will go towards funding clean water facilities for school children.
Habiba Islam of Somerville College, who organised the day, commented that the beautiful weather highlighted the importance of Link Ethiopia’s work. “On that hot day, we were especially grateful for water. It made it clear how important clean water availability really is.
“Everyone had loads of fun… it was a lovely day and couldn’t have gone better.”
RAG Press Officer Rob Day wore a Robin Hood outfit for the day. He said that it felt “a bit like being a Big Issue seller,” but overall the public had given generously.
Star RAG-Raiders were Abigail Brehcist and Isabella Mighetto, who raised £233.91 between them. They said, “We found the best way to raise money for a cause is to attract as much attention as possible: for us this meant being bright green, granting wishes and grinning manically! It led to a day full of fun and a bucketful of money!”
Most previous raids have taken place in and around Oxford, but the trip to Bath allowed students to target their fundraising at a predominantly non-student community. The move paid off, as the Raiders raised more money in Bath than they would expect to raise after a day’s bucket-rattling on Cornmarket Street.
James Love of Link Ethiopia said, “A huge congratulations to Oxford RAG for raising the largest donation we have ever received from a UK RAG. The [money] will be used where it is needed most. On behalf of the communities Link Ethiopia works with, thank you!”
Oxford RAG has already passed its £50,000 target for this year and their next major fundraiser is Oxford Jailbreak in 9th week. For more information visit oxfordjailbreak.com.
