Launched today (15^th December), the ‘Imagine Campaign’ will help the charity raise vital funds after the Covid-19 pandemic caused the charity to lose much-needed sources of income and donations. 

Nimra Butt, a third-year Advertising & Branding Design student with the School of Art & Design, became involved with the charity after receiving a call-out from the University’s Careers & Employability Service about the opportunity to create a fundraising appeal.

After successfully applying, Nimra designed the newly launched ‘Imagine Campaign’ for Age UK Milton Keynes, consisting of posters, leaflets and a feature due to be posted on the charity’s official website.

Speaking about her involvement, Nimra commented: “I have a soft spot for helping older people due to always looking after my grandparents and seeing my Grandma suffer with loneliness after my Grandad passed away during lockdown.”

This new appeal focuses on how Age UK can help the older generation in Milton Keynes combat loneliness.  

Nimra added: “It’s a proud moment for me and this is the first opportunity I've had to create work related to my course, so it's been a great learning experience. It’s been enjoyable doing something towards my future career and it feels even better that it's for a good cause.”

Michelle Everitt, Assistant Director of Student Experience and Head of Careers & Employability at the University, commented on Nimra’s volunteering:

“Through this opportunity, Nimra has been able to showcase her design skills and expertise. She now has something really special to evidence in her CV, demonstrating how beneficial volunteering is for everyone concerned.”

Age UK Milton Keynes is a local charity which has been working to support older people in the area for more than 40 years, with a dedicated workforce of approximately 160 paid workers and 400 volunteers.

Denise Stygal-Watson, Executive Director of Age UK Milton Keynes, was impressed by Nimra’s designs. She said: “Like most charities, we have been badly affected by the pandemic, causing both an increase in people needing our help and a decrease in donations. We knew that we had to remedy this and decided to launch a new fundraising appeal. 

“Not having an in-house marketing resource, we turned to the University of Bedfordshire for help and Nimra kindly offered her services. She has been fabulous to work with, not only co-operative but full of creative suggestions. Without her, this appeal would not have got off the ground.”