The cold weather hasn’t stopped Newcastle University Boat Club from getting their kit off for their 2018 naked calendars. This annual tradition raises money for the club and for charity, and gives another view of one of the Univeristy’s most successful clubs.
The club have produced a men’s and a women’s calendar, with each costing £10. Each year the club donates 10% of the money raised to charity, with mental health charity Mind their chosen partner for this year. The rest of the money goes towards funding NUBC’s activities, with rowing equipment notoriously expensive.
In particular, money raised through sales of the calendars supports NUBC’s beginners programme, which introduces new rowers to the sport. The club is one of the largest in the AU, and contributed more BUCS points to Newcastle’s 2016-17 total than any other sport apart bar fencing.
£800 raised by NUBC last year, 10% of which went to Brocklehurst Neurosurgical Fund
Alex Turner, NUBC’s president, said: “The calendar is a fantastic way to fundraise for the club and raise awareness for our charity. It really unites everyone and breaks down any barriers that might exist at the beginning of the new year.
“Our charity this year is Mind, the mental health charity. They do great work in the North East and mental health is an aspect of both sporting and university life that deserves more recognition, something we are keen to play a major part in.”
Last year’s calendar raised over £800, and the total has topped £1,000 in the past.
The new calendars can be pre-ordered from NUBC’s website, and for a £2 delivery charged will be sent out as soon as they are ready.