Learners at TNG at the Brunel Business Centre, Milton Keynes, have raised over £2000 for local charities, including Willen Hospice and Keech Cottage.

TNG is one of the UK’s leading Welfare to Work training providers. In November 2008, funding became available for learners on the e2e (Entry to Employment) course to undertake an activity to enrich their lives.

Dave Carson, manager at TNG in Milton Keynes, wanted to show his learners that sometimes, in order to enrich your own life, you have to do something for others.

Each group of learners that joined the e2e course, aimed at helping 16-18 year olds develop skills to improve employability, were asked to organise a fundraising event to benefit charities including Willen Hospice, Keech Cottage, Children in Need, Brooke Advisory and Comic Relief.

With help from staff at TNG, learners got to work organising fundraisers including a fun day at Bletchley Shopping Centre, and a community open day for young people. Added to this, learners also raised money by charging 50p per strip to wax Dave Carson’s legs for Comic Relief.

Following the events, over £2000 was raised for the chosen charities. Dave Carson, commented, “Organising the fundraising events helped the e2e learners to gain valuable planning experience, but what they really took from the experience was the pride and achievement they got from helping others.

“What was really good to see is how motivated the teams were. They were always keen to get working, and really enjoyed themselves. The events were so successful, that each new group of e2e learners at TNG will continue to raise money for their chosen local charity- although I’m not sure I’ll be letting them anywhere near me with wax again!”