Hi there,
I’m Becca, the president of DUCFS 2023. This year, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we have been looking back fondly on the evolution and successes of DUCFS over the last four decades.
Moving out of the SU ballroom and into Rainton Area, DUCFS has pushed the boundaries, raising over three quarters of a million pounds for our charity partners in the last six years alone. We were particularly thrilled to raise £205,000 in our 2022 campaign, becoming Europe’s largest student-led charity fundraising event. Our charitable donations have impacted the lives of many and have proved immensely valuable to the individuals and communities we have supported. Creatively, DUCFS has provided an outstanding opportunity to showcase the talent of both Durham University students and designers across the world.
Sitting at the heart of our campaign, our chosen charity for 2023, The Rainbow Trust, aligns with our creative vision which centres around the concept of time. Supporting the families of children of life-threatening or terminal illness, the Rainbow Trust pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who enables them to make the most of their time together, giving them both practical and emotional support, whenever and for as long as needed.
Committed to making a local and tangible change, our goal this year is to raise enough money to pay for FOUR family support workers at the Rainbow Trust. Focusing upon the theme of “cherishing”, we believed that The Rainbow Trust fulfills this vision, enabling 125 families, and up to 500 beneficiaries to spend treasured moments with their loved ones.
Closer to home, the DUCFS campaign is committed to making a more inclusive Durham. The rebranding of Thread Magazine as an interactive culture and fashion platform is a small step to doing this.
Largely powered through student contributors, our vision for Thread going forward is to be a multimedia tapestry, shedding light on the experiences of Durham students. With input from all corners of the Durham student community’s diverse and vibrant ongoings, alongside intimate reflective contributions, Thread will give an insight into the true fabric of student life.
The exciting introduction of the Thread podcast will allow you to hear from fascinating individuals and organisations more authentically than ever before. We especially look forward to hearing first hand about the impact that the Rainbow Trust is making later in the year. We will also be running giveaways throughout the year so be sure to stay tuned!
We hope that you enjoy following Thread this year and we look forward to receiving your contributions and seeing you at the show on the 16th,17th and 18th February!
Becca Griffin-Roach
DUCFS President
