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First Telethon fundraising campaign at UEL raises over £90,000

Tuesday 3 March 2009

Cashael Nwokeji

The University of East London’s (UEL) first telethon fundraising campaign has been a huge success and has raised over £90,000 in donations and pledges which will be invested in new development initiatives at both UEL campuses.

The month long telethon is the first fundraising event organised by UEL’s Development and Alumni team this year and it supports the Annual Fund, which was launched in November 2008. The Fund offers an opportunity for UEL alumni, staff, students, Governors and other friends of the University to help fulfil development plans for the university in the run up to 2012.

The money raised from the Annual Fund will go towards a new sports, leisure and performing arts centre at the Docklands campus, small start-up research grants to support researchers at the beginning of their careers, a new library at the Stratford Campus and the student hardship fund.

Dr Fariba Salehi-Kellaway, Head of Development and Alumni at UEL said: “This has been a great first fundraising campaign and I’m delighted with the outcome. In addition, the funding will raise potentially over £135,000 after the Government’s fifty per cent matched-funding is added. We recruited and trained a fantastic group of forty five student callers who agreed to call members of the Alumni Network to ask them if they would like to donate towards the Annual Fund.

“The callers loved their experience and approached thousands of our alumni to raise the funds. Our alumni have proved to be a generous source of support for the university as we expected. Now the students can't wait to get involved in the next campaign and bring other students along too. Charlotte Tyce, our Annual Fund Officer, also worked with a lot of commitment towards the success of this campaign. Thanks to them all!”

Austin Nnajieze, who is studying International Law and Economy said:
“Being able to take part in UEL’s first Telephone Fundraising Campaign and succeeding in raising funds for the Annual Fund is my way to leave a legacy behind.”

Cashael Mason Nwokeji is in her second year studying International Development Studies. She said: “It was a brilliant campaign and I really enjoyed fundraising for the university. It is fantastic that UEL is trying to meet the needs of students by enriching their student experience on our campuses.”

UEL's alumni network now has over 37,000 members worldwide.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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