A Colwyn Bay school is leading an effort to develop sustainability in the community and enhance opportunities for students with their latest fundraiser.

Ysgol Bryn Elian is working with charity Business2Schools as part of their ‘Make a Difference’ campaign, and is asking for contributions either financially or through donating physical items which would be of use to the school.

Business2Schools, who encourage companies to donate their unwanted equipment, has already helped Ysgol Bryn Elian upgrade 140 PCs, 130 laptops and 150 monitors, as well as their teacher chairs, library and sixth form room.

Paul Woodhouse, head of business and computing at the school, said: “It’s something that has become part of the financial impact of the pandemic. It’s incredible - the impact that it is already having and going to have on the students is unthinkable.

“We have just received 120 laptops that are going to be distributed to any student in an exam year who does not have access to their own laptop at home, to close the gap of the lack of contact they’ve had (during the pandemic).

“We are trying to broaden it as well. It would be great to get more schools involved (with Business2Schools).”

Money raised from the campaign will be shared between Business2Schools, Happy Faces Children’s Charity in Rhos-on-Sea, a children’s community project to soon be set up in Old Colwyn, and Ysgol Bryn Elian itself.

The project will culminate in ‘Make a Difference Day’ on Friday, September 17, a day of fundraising at the school, with Business2Schools chief executive Lindsey Parslow and Clwyd West MP David Jones also set to attend.

Paul added: “In school, we are going to launch a challenge to the students to fundraise as well, doing different activities.

“On September 17, that will come to a climax where there will be fancy dress, a non-uniform day and a range of different activities, to celebrate people donating equipment to make a difference to the students.”

Ysgol Bryn Elian is challenging businesses in the area to get involved by raising money, donating products or services they can offer, or being creative with their own fundraising ideas.

You can contact Paul at pw@brynelian.conwy.sch.uk, or donate to their JustGiving page by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ybe-makeadifference.