The Trent Tigerlilies are raising money for NHS charities by inviting everyone to create a rainbow photo of their own, upload it to social media using the hashtag #seetherainbowbetherainbow, and then donate to the clubs JustGiving Page if they can.
A rainbow photo can be anything, from a drawing to a make-up look, or anything colourful. Photos uploaded so far have also included rainbow outfits and even rainbow cupcakes.
The Burlesque Club have been the winners of the Bac Zac charity award for the last two years at NTU, as one of their main priorities is to give to others, and many of their social events have a charitable side.
So far this year they have raised £1100 for their selected charities, including ‘In Memory of Phillipa and Becky’, ‘The Australian Red Cross’, and ‘Breast Cancer Now’. But this is the first fundraiser they have done completely online, and fully relying on social media.
President of The Burlesque Club, Cheyenne Young, a master’s student studying Criminology, 23, said: “As a club, we usually raise money every term for charities decided upon by our members through our social events and shows.
“We are so grateful for all the hard work from all key workers, so it was a given that we wanted to use our time to donate to a charity directly supporting those working on the frontline of COVID-19.”
Some of the club’s members themselves, as well as their friends and family, are working on the frontline to help others, so The Tigerlilies wanted to play their part in giving back and show them support.
So far, they have raised £50, which includes a donation from a club themselves. They are hoping to raise as much as possible through other NTU clubs, societies, and students donating, as well as anyone else who wants to donate.
Cheyenne added: “We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, so we welcome all donations no matter how small to support the incredible people working so hard to help others.”
The club has already had donations from NTU Climbing and a local Burlesque troupe ‘The Poison Ivies’, as well as individual students.
The clubs’ Social and Well-being Officer, Cara McNaughton, a masters student studying International Fashion Management, 24, was the one to come up with the idea.
She said: “I’ve seen a lot of people doing these fads online of supporting the NHS and posting rainbows, but I felt that seeing it wasn’t enough, especially when we had the funds and awareness to do more.”
Cara also added that it feels right for the club to continue to raise money, “whilst getting others involved and giving them something to do.”
By Laycie Beck
Featured photo credit: Trent Tigerlilies.