THREE young entrepreneurs at Barnsley Academy are putting their business skills and taste buds to great use for Bluebell Wood children’s hospice.
Rather than keep the proceeds of their fledgling milkshake business, year ten students Holly Bedford, Tawana Chapanduka and Ashleigh Jackson have decided to give every penny of profit to the hospice after knowing a couple of families that have been supported there.
The three are among many school teams launching and running a business as part of Barnsley Council’s ‘I Know I Can’ initiative.
Their idea, to blend and sell milkshakes at events, including parents’ evenings, the Christmas fair and a meeting of academy heads, saw the students make a £67 profit at their first event.
Although there’s a chance they could be shortlisted for a Dragon’s Den style event and then a grand final at the Holiday Inn, Dodworth in May, the hard working team is focussing for now on doing as much as it can at each event.
Holly said: “We came up with the idea because we thought milkshakes had become popular with people our age.
“However, they are normally expensive to buy so we thought we’d make some less expensive versions that more people could afford. We decided to give our profits to Bluebell Wood as we had friends that were cared for there before they passed away.
“We’re hoping to go as far as possible with this idea so that we can raise as much money as possible. We’re really enjoying doing it and getting lots of useful experience along the way.”
Julie Broomhead, head of business and computing at Barnsley Academy, said: “It was completely up to all our students to choose what to do with their profits. They could have kept them or split them with a charity.
“Holly, Ashleigh and Tawana decided to give their proceeds to Bluebell Wood because they felt strongly about giving something to this worthwhile cause. Although they’re one of the hardest working groups in the competition, they haven’t thought as far ahead as the finals yet. They’re a real credit to Barnsley Academy and a great inspiration to all of us.”
Anna Gott, community fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: “We can’t thank Holly, Ashleigh and Tawana enough for thinking of us and for wanting to make a difference. “Every penny counts at Bluebell Wood and helps our families to make special memories together, whether that’s through music therapy, arts and crafts, sibling groups or counselling.”
