In response to the heart-breaking events in Ukraine our Fashion, Textiles, Art and Photography A Level learners have been busy during the past few weeks making accessories in preparation to launch their pop-up shop 'Spread love, not war'.

Second year Sixth Form learner Lilly Alden, headed up the initiative. Lilly had a best friend in Ukraine who needed help financially to get her and her Mother out of the country. After setting up a gofund me page, Lilly managed to raise £1600 in under 5 days. They are now safe in Istanbul.

Lilly added:

"After raising all that money, me and my aunt felt the heartfelt desire to do something more. She had the idea to get the official Getty licensing of Zelinsky's face. We then printed the designs on Shirts and tote bags and set up a Shopify in under 24 hours.

"I designed the black and white digital T-shirt with the help of college staff Nick Reardon. We collaborated with charity ‘Hope and homes for children’ where they have three bases in Ukraine for orphaned children. We have a big team working behind the scenes helping us!"

Lilly currently studies A Levels in Psychology, Art and French at the Sixth Form at Loxton Campus. Teaming up with her peers to promote the cause, the handmade shop was initiated by A Level fashion students, aided by their lecturer Nicola Stent.

Hours were spent measuring, cutting, printing and sewing. Applying creative talents and skills learnt at college to produce bespoke lino prints, broaches, tote bags and more!

Here is a list of the hand-made products that were produced:

• Screen-printed Tote bags
• Flower broaches
• Flower headbands
• Hand-made lino prints
• Scrunches
• Bracelets
• Feather brooch
• T-shirts

Students were also offering delivery to those who couldn't make it in - true entrepreneurship!

Lilly continued: 

"People can help by purchasing our shirt and tote bags on the Shopify website and taking a photo and tagging us @Pompomukraine to raise more awareness.

"The money raised is an ongoing outcome as the shop at college will be open for weeks however our Shopify sales are going very well!

"The staff at college helped tremendously with bringing our products to the pop up shop at college encouraging and inspiring me. Nicola Stent, Nick Reardon and Charlotte Hawk helped with the presentation. 

"I thoroughly enjoy studying at Weston College and feel supported to continue studying, expressing myself and produce the highest outcome of work thanks to the amazing staff and community."

With the help of Milo and Paige, Sixth Form student Alan Sibi also set up a "Yellow and Blue Day" where students from across the campus would pay £2 to wear yellow and blue to represent the colours of the Ukrainian flag - £314 raised from this activity alone.

All proceeds will be donated to The Red Cross to support their prodigious efforts for the people of Ukraine.

Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, Dr Paul Phillips CBE visited the pop-up shop with Chair of Governors Andrew Leighton-Price.

Dr Paul commented: "With the absolutely appalling situation we are witnessing in Ukraine, it warms my heart to see learners engaging with the news and taking social action to support those in need. Their generosity shines through and perfectly demonstrates the ethos of what being a Weston College learner is all about. 

"As a College we are very engaged in terms of both fundraising and also supplying much needed clothes and materials to the refugee collection points. My staff have and students have been donating items via collection points throughout the campuses, headed up by our Service Sector team.

Thank-you to Lilly, the Loxton learners and to all staff."

We look forward to seeing how much is raised from these incredible efforts!

Click here to:

Visit Lilly's Shopify page to purchase items and donate money to their cause

Learn more about the A Level courses available at Weston College Sixth Form