The college raised the impressive sum through its first Charities Day, which is part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust’s PLEDGES and Futures Days.

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

The days give students the opportunity to work towards their PLEDGES or broaden their experiences as they work towards their future careers.

Students first decided which charities they were going to donate to, which this year were Arthur Rank Hospice, Little Mircacles, C9 Cancer Ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the Make a Wish Foundation and the Restricted Growth Association.

They then brainstormed fundraising ideas and prepared their stalls for the big day on Wednesday (11).

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

The college was divided into different areas including a food court, media zone, disco and even a casino.

The event was well supported by the local community, with Gourmet Brownie and the Ely Fire Service joining in the fun to raise money.

Principal of Ely College, Richard Spencer, said: “PLEDGES and Futures Days are so important because they play a vital part in helping our students to develop empathy as well as more tangible skills such as the teamwork and responsibility that comes with event planning.

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

“Handling cash with an insight into customer service and building communications skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

“We are delighted with how the students have embraced their house charities this year and we look forward to running fundraisers for them throughout the year.”

Head girl, Jaden Coe, said: “Enjoying the games and activities with my friends this close to the end of term has put us all in a very Christmassy mood.

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

“I enjoyed working with everyone in my form group to come up with an idea to raise the most money. One of the houses will win and while it is nice to add some friendly inter-house competitions to the mix, we are really pleased the money will go to help children and their families who deserve it.

“We want to thank our form tutors for helping us raise so much.”

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ely College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike RouseEly College students celebrated their first ‘Charities Day’ this week. The day raised nearly £2,000 for their chosen charities. Photos: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)