Everything Under The Sun: Apprentice-Like Challenge For Charity

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Apprentice-Like Challenge For Charity

Some of the coats collected by City Year volunteers.

Just about anyone, who is connected to mainstream media, is aware of the reality show, The Apprentice. During the program, participants become very competitive in trying to meet the program's challenges.

But when a similar challenge was issued by CITY YEAR GREATER MANCHESTER to young volunteers, there was a different spirit cultivated. They were given just £40 from the group's Christmas activity fund, and their task was to take the money and negotiate as many deals as they could in just two hours to supply those living on the streets or in temporary housing with the essentials. The spirit of cooperation and kindness was visible.

They went into the stall market in the North Quarter for everything from scarves, gloves, and blankets to sleeping bags. Grace Fajebe said, "I encouraged one of my teammates to talk to a market owner and he gave us a beautiful coat. When we asked him for his name for recognition, he said it was fine." Shannon Danino exclaimed about the marketer she contacted, "He literally kept piling the clothes on!"

All of the items that these young volunteers collected have been donated to MUSTARD TREE, which provides a number of services to people who are homeless and/or marginalized. Out of the original monetary stake, £20 was left over, and has also been donated to the charity.Volunteer Jacob Mahoney reported, about his experience, "It was a fun challenge. Mustard Tree is an excellent cause and we were warmed by the generosity of the retailers we received donated items from. By working together, we hope we can make a difference and change lives."

What volunteers at City Year Greater Manchester do.

City Year Greater Manchester just started in the fall. It recruits youth age 18 to 25, to provide a year of service to work on reducing educational inequality. These youth are mentors, tutors, and role models for students in areas of Manchester and Salford, where the children come from families experiencing deprivation. In return, volunteers are able to determine a career field and develop leadership skills, while making an impact in their community. What they're doing is similar to what some US youth do when they take a year off from studying and going to college, while they travel and look for opportunities to help others throughout the world.