City College Norwich hosts auction for poorest students
City College Norwich is hoping for record takings at an auction to raise money for its poorest students.
It is hoped the auction and charity dinner on Friday night could raise £15,000 to go towards students' transport and classroom equipment.
Dick Palmer, college principal, said events such as this were becoming increasingly important at a time of rising costs for people in education.
"Young people face an unprecedented time of uncertainty," he said.
"You've got the EMAs [Educational Maintenance Allowance] - that's going.
"You've got things like the post-16 transport, which thankfully Norfolk County Council didn't completely cut, but it's reduced its subsidy and the costs of travelling to the college will go up in 2012.
"There's the HE [Higher Education] fees issue, a reduction in Connexions and the loss of the youth service in Norfolk. We have to do more and more things like this," he added.
About 500 people have so far been helped by the college's Student New Opportunities Fund, set up in 2007, which gives pupils up to £400 to spend on their college costs.
Items up for grabs at the auction include a corporate box at next season's Norwich City v Liverpool game.
"I think looking to the future more and more institutions will have to look at various charitable ways of trying to raise funds in order to support young people," said Mr Palmer.
The auction is open for bids in advance of the sold-out fundraising dinner, which will see 100 diners attend.