What's the wackiest thing you could do in class to raise money for local charities?

It's been suggested we turn up to class in chicken costumes . But in Leeds, chances are no one would even notice.

Then we thought about making a ground-breaking discovery in a really important field that changes the world. But then we remembered, we're Arts students.

We didn't give up; we kept brainstorming... A Walk? That's just a regular Shabbat. Movember? Like we could grow decent moustaches. Sponsored silence? Yeah right!

Then the guys and girls over at Leeds RAG - the University "Raise and Give" Society - said we could abseil off of the Michael Sadler Building - where our school (Languages, Cultures and Societies) is based...

And that sounded like a great - albeit terrifying - idea.

So that's what we're going to do. Here's why:

Meet the Charities

Groundwork is a federation of charities working locally and nationally to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities. They help people gain confidence and skills, get into training and work, protect and improve green spaces, lead more active lives and overcome significant challenges such as poverty, isolation, low skills and poor health.

Simon on the Streets are on the frontline tacking homelessness - they offer street-based support for those in need in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield.

RETAS helps refugees and asylum seekers in West Yorkshire to integrate through support and guidance with employment, education and training.

Working nationwide, Mencap are there for people with learning disabilities such as Autism and Down's Syndrome.

SHINE is an education charity that gives children the opportunity to acquire the skills and confidence they need to turn their potential into success at school and beyond.

Behind Closed Doors are there for people whose lives have been, or are, affected by domestic violence and abuse to cope, recover and move on from their experiences.

All in all, they are incredible charities doing invaluable work for the Leeds community.

Who are you?

Hey 👋 We're Dror and Jodie, two students from London studying at the University of Leeds. Dror's in final year, studying International Relations and Spanish and Jodie is in second year studying Classics.

Well.... Yeah, we would. For good enough causes.

We appreciate all your support, however big or small - it makes a huge difference.

If anyone has tips for getting over a fear of heights, now would be a great time to share them 😉

Where is your money going?

We'll be withdrawing and donating your donations to the Leeds RAG Community Fund, which is distributed to the various charities by Leeds RAG (Raise and Give) - the Leeds University Union Fundraising Society.