May Week is a fantastic tradition. It provides a chance for students to let their hair down after an intense year of work. But what if we can also use it for something positive for others, as well as for ourselves?
May Week Alternative (MWA) is a new initiative founded to make a difference to the lives of those most in need. MWA offers Cambridge students the choice to celebrate the end of the academic year whilst making a significant positive impact on the lives of others, through the life-saving efforts of the Against Malaria Foundation, the world’s most effective charity (GiveWell, 2018). 100% of donations will be spent on purchasing nets.
We are excited to have secured matched funding, meaning that every donation will be doubled! Think of this…those who donate the price of a £150 May Ball ticket will be protecting over 260 people from malaria.
How can you join in with MWA?
There are lots of ways to join us. The main way is as an alternative to going to a May Ball (or rather than going to a second or third May Ball). Instead of spending the money on the May Ball ticket, you can donate the money you would have spent on the ticket to fund the Against Malaria Foundation.
To say thank you to everyone who takes part in MWA, you are invited to an informal meal and alternative celebration during May Week. At our MWA event, we can relax with fellow students over food and drink. What could be better than enjoying Cambridge at the end of the year with friends old and new, whilst feeling really positive about the impact of your decision?
We know that not everyone will be able to afford the price of a May Ball ticket in the first place. So even if you can’t afford to donate the whole £150, we will still welcome you to join us at our MWA event for whatever donation you can afford.
Equally, if you want to attend a ball (or multiple) but still decide to donate the cost of another, you will also be warmly welcomed.
Through MWA, we can combine the celebrations of May Week with making a profound difference to the lives of thousands around the world.
It is a philosophy underpinned by our slogan: feel good, do good.