Part of the Etc.
Enterprising students have been carving themselves a new niche when it comes to raising money for charity.
The crafty bunch from Stockton Riverside College put their handy skills to good use, producing driftwood sculptures.
With orders flying
in for the unique pieces, it quickly became apparent the students were on to a money spinner. But rather than spending their hard earned cash on themselves the group decided to donate the money to charity.
“I think the demand for the sculptures took us all a bit by surprise,” said lecturer Paul Longmore, who struck upon the idea while walking his dog on Seaton beach.
Spotting the potential in the driftwood, he explained: “It looks good and doesn’t cost anything so it seemed a good idea.”
Developing a variety of trade skills on the college’s Construction course, Paul’s students were able to bring out the wood’s natural beauty and adding lights made each piece all the more spectacular.
Handing over a cheque for £326 to Butterwick Hospice, Joey Knights, 16, of Thornaby, said: “The enterprise project was really good, we got to learn different skills while doing something to help other people.
“It was also nice to get the chance to go to the hospice and see who we have been helping.”
As well as the sculpture lamps, the students produced driftwood tea light holders and ornamental trees made from wooden pallets.
Paul said: “Everything that we used, apart from the lights, has been either restored or recycled which added another element to the students’ learning.
“They also had to consider things like health and safety and pricing their work.”
Helping to improve the quality of life for those who have a life limiting illness and those closest to them, it costs Butterwick Hospice £4m a year to run its three sites, two in Stockton and one in Bishop Auckland.
The hospice’s Community Fundraiser Jess Naylor said: “Any donations coming from the general public are what keeps this place open.
“The effort that these students have put in is fantastic, we really appreciate everything.”
The crafty bunch from Stockton Riverside College put their handy skills to good use, producing driftwood sculptures.
With orders flying
in for the unique pieces, it quickly became apparent the students were on to a money spinner. But rather than spending their hard earned cash on themselves the group decided to donate the money to charity.“I think the demand for the sculptures took us all a bit by surprise,” said lecturer Paul Longmore, who struck upon the idea while walking his dog on Seaton beach.
Spotting the potential in the driftwood, he explained: “It looks good and doesn’t cost anything so it seemed a good idea.”Developing a variety of trade skills on the college’s Construction course, Paul’s students were able to bring out the wood’s natural beauty and adding lights made each piece all the more spectacular.
Handing over a cheque for £326 to Butterwick Hospice, Joey Knights, 16, of Thornaby, said: “The enterprise project was really good, we got to learn different skills while doing something to help other people.
“It was also nice to get the chance to go to the hospice and see who we have been helping.”
As well as the sculpture lamps, the students produced driftwood tea light holders and ornamental trees made from wooden pallets.
Paul said: “Everything that we used, apart from the lights, has been either restored or recycled which added another element to the students’ learning.
“They also had to consider things like health and safety and pricing their work.”
Helping to improve the quality of life for those who have a life limiting illness and those closest to them, it costs Butterwick Hospice £4m a year to run its three sites, two in Stockton and one in Bishop Auckland.
The hospice’s Community Fundraiser Jess Naylor said: “Any donations coming from the general public are what keeps this place open.
“The effort that these students have put in is fantastic, we really appreciate everything.”
