Students play cupid to raise thousands for MRF

Students at the University of Warwick created a novel way to raise thousands for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), through a unique series of First Dates events.

The Raising and Giving (RAG) society came up with the concept in which students looking for love donate to the First Dates fundraiser, fill in a short questionnaire and are then matched with someone who they meet for dinner and a drink at the Students’ Union’s premier bistro-style restaurant, Xananas. 

The event also gives the option to go on a friendship date for anyone not looking for love.

250 couples have been matched and will meet over the course of the three events. The first took place on Monday 12 November, the second on Monday 19 November and the third event is scheduled for Monday 26 November. So far £2,000 has been raised for MRF and due to popular demand, additional dates have been arranged for January too.

The society played cupid to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts.

Teenagers and young adults are a high risk age group for deadly meningitis and septicaemia, and university students are particularly at risk.

The university has for many years supported MRF through fundraising and raising awareness of the disease among students who attend the university.

Jenny Robinson, Fundraising Manager at MRF said, “We’re so proud of our fundraisers at Warwick for coming up with exciting new ways to raise funds for MRF. We’re incredibly grateful. The funds raised will help us enormously with our vital work including our research, awareness and support programmes.

“We encourage all eligible young people to take up the offer of the MenACWY which protects against four types of meningitis. However there are not yet vaccines available against all types of meningitis so it’s important for all staff and students at universities to be aware of the symptoms. It can feel like a very bad hangover that gets quickly worse. We encourage all students to check on their friends if they are unwell.”