Record breaking campaign at the University of Reading
Release Date 06 December 2011
The University of Reading has just completed its autumn Annual Fund telephone campaign which raised a record- breaking £205,000 in five weeks.
This is the 15th telephone campaign that the University has run. A team of 50 current Reading students telephoned graduates to update them on University life and to ask them to make a donation to the Annual Fund.
These donations support a variety of innovative teaching projects and extra-curricular activities on campus. In particular, the Fund provides bursaries, scholarships and hardship fund grants to students who would otherwise be disadvantaged due to lack of funds.
Natasha Ratter is in her final year studying Zoology, and has taken part in the last two telephone campaigns:
She said: "I have really enjoyed speaking to Reading alumni from across the decades. So many stories have unfolded here and they are always interesting to hear! I am delighted to have been part of this campaign that is raising money to help students at Reading today."
Since the Annual Fund was established in 2004, over 6,000 donors have raised just under £3 million to enhance the student experience. A third of alumni who were spoken to in this campaign chose to make a gift.
Each year, the University holds an annual ‘Donor Day' event to thank those who are supporting the Annual Fund. Donors can find out how their gifts have made a difference and learn about current and future developments at Reading. The 2011 donor event was held in March and showcased research and projects from across the University.
Paul Armitage is a 1986 graduate who studied Physics and Meteorology. Paul became a member of the University's Blandford Club - which recognises those who are making a regular gift to the Annual Fund - in 2010, after receiving a telephone call from a student during one of the telephone campaigns. Paul has also attended the last two Donor Days at Reading. He said:
"I think it's important that as many people as possible have access to higher education. I donate because the Annual Fund is used to help people who would otherwise not be able to consider a university education."
For further information about the Annual Fund, or to make a donation, please email annualfund@reading.ac.uk or telephone 0118 378 5238.