March through Westminster raises money for Imperial's Student Opportunities Fund - <em>News</em>
Monday 8 January 2007
By Naomi Weston
The annual New Year's Day parade through Westminster was joined by students and alumni from Imperial this year raising money for the College's Student Opportunities Fund.
Ten thousand people took part and over 500,000 people turned out to watch the performers who came from 20 countries from around the world.
The Imperial students who were representing the borough of Kensington and Chelsea raised £465 by collecting donations from the crowd. The money will be donated to the Student Opportunities Fund which aims to help academically gifted students with their finances so they can study at Imperial.
Jezebel, Imperial College Union's 1916 Dennis N type fire engine also took part in the parade. Students from the Union's Motor Club still maintain the fire engine.
Ashley Brown, a PhD student and organiser of the parade entry, explains: "I was delighted with the diversity of our participation, particularly given how challenging it is getting students out of bed for 9am on New Year's Day! It was an enjoyable day and I’m pleased we were able to contribute to College’s support of academically gifted students in need of financial help."
This event is the first event of Imperial's Centenary year with the main celebrations commencing on 30 January.
Carol Marsh, Centenary Coordinator says: "The New Year's Day parade was a great success and I was delighted to see so many students turn out. 2007 is going to be a very exciting year packed with events for everyone to enjoy from staff and students to the general public."
For more information about the College's centenary celebrations please visit www.imperial.ac.uk/centenary
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