Student asks for hot water bottle donations for university project

Jessica Bulezuik lives in Salisbury and is a final year teaching student at the University of Chichester, her 'Making Change Happen' project has already gained support from local businesses including Roly's Fudge Pantry.

As part of her university course, Jessica must complete the 'Making Change Happen' module, which is about creating a project that is going to make a long-term difference to the community.

SEE ALSO: London Marathon: Salisbury Doctor runs race for charity

She said: "I was moving from Bournemouth to Salisbury when I decided on the project and it was due to the cost of living crisis and seeing people on the streets freezing. I knew something had to be done and that was what sparked the idea one evening."

She continued: "I haven't raised money, I have just raised hot water bottles. It has been a challenge to get donations, but in the end I had a large donation of 30 come from a parent who works at a distribution centre and this gave a huge boost."

Anyone in the city who wishes to support the scheme, and donate a hot water bottle can do so at Roly's Fudge Pantry, on the High Street. 

Jess said: "Roly's Fudge has supported the project by accepting some donations at their shop in town."

SEE ALSO: Footballer saved from testicular cancer enters Race for Life Salisbury

She added: "I have also had the community cafe in Bemerton take in some of the donations so people are able to collect from there too."

Jess told the Journal that "Wiltshire Council housing has been a huge supporter of the project, by promoting it as well as collecting donations."

St Osmunds Catholic Primary School also supported the project by writing about the scheme in their newsletter.

Jess said: "Some of the children from St Osmunds wrote jokes, drew pictures and poems to be attached to the hot water bottles too. They all did a great job."