Victoria University students help charity with free consulting

Ignite is a student consulting organisation that works with not-for-profits over an 8 week engagement.

“The most challenging and rewarding thing I have done at university” says Victoria University of Wellington student Nick Wrathall about his time at Ignite.

The student group originates from the University of Otago. Following its success and popularity, it started up in Wellington in 2015. Since then the demand for Ignite’s work in the capital has grown and it has been increasingly competitive for students to participate.

“We were told that over 70 students had applied, but that only 15 would be selected. I was really excited when they told me I had been chosen”.

The teams of five students are paired with a not-for-profit and given a brief. They have eight weeks to produce their work and they are overseen by a mentor in the business industry.

“Not only is it valuable work experience but I became really passionate about the chosen charity and their cause.”

“Our group is consulting for Birthright Hutt Valley. Their mission is to support single parent families.”

Five Victoria University students, Nick, Eliza, Nicolasa, Susie and David, have worked with Birthright Hutt Valley over the last eight weeks.

“We have created a short film to explain how they help children in the Hutt Valley”

Like all charities, they need more money. Ignite consultants are helping them develop their marketing tools and are approaching new sources of funding.

Birthright Hutt Valley currently provides support to over 500 registered families in the region, however the demand far outweighs Birthright’s current resources.

“We can see that they are making a big impact in the community, and it will be great to see what they can do with more funding”.

“The board have been really receptive to our work, and it has been great to feel like students have something to offer.”

The students are presenting their work at the Ignite Presentation evening on October 5th at Flux. The night aims to celebrate the work of the students and the role of not for profits in Wellington. Ignite Consultants invites those that are interested in the consulting sector or not for profits to come along.

ENDS

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