ISOC Charity Week

When I first heard about Charity Week, I’ll be honest, I thought it was just another fundraiser. A few bake sales, maybe a raffle, the usual. But after talking to the people behind it did, I realise just how wrong I was. Because Charity Week isn’t just about raising money. It’s about building a movement in the most Imperial way possible. Think personalised perfumes, an F1-style VR racing experience, luxury drinks from Covent Garden, and a black-tie dinner at the Royal Regency, all for a global cause. For three weeks, starting on 24th October, campus will transform into an unforgettable and purposeful experience. From treks and bake-offs to football tournaments and cultural nights, Charity Week (CW) is Imperial at its liveliest, a time when doing good genuinely… feels good. Honestly, it might be the best thing Imperial has to offer this term. “It’s one of the most exciting times of the year,” says Yusuf, one of the CW heads for this year, “Campus comes alive, it’s bake sales, auctions, treks, laughter, and the energy is just unmatched.”

Beyond fundraising, it’s about Unity

Charity Week, run by Imperial’s Islamic Society (ISoc), is rooted in the Islamic principle of charity, but its message is universal. “People think CW is just for Muslims,” explains Harun, ISOC’s Vice President of Campaigns, “but it’s Imperial’s charity week. It’s for everyone. We want as many students and societies as possible to get involved, because at the end of the day, we’re all human, and we all have the power to do good.” The committee’s approach this year is all about inclusion. From collaborating with different societies to reaching new students across campus, CW aims to bring people together through kindness, not boundaries.

The heart behind the cause

This year, all funds raised will go through One Ummah, a charity that focuses not only on emergency aid but largely on sustainable change. They provide taxis in Pakistan so families can earn a living, sewing kits for women to make clothes and start businesses, and fishing boats in Malawi to help communities thrive independently and long-term. “It’s not just about giving money,” the team explains. “It’s about giving people the means to transform their own lives.” For CW Head Yusuf, the motivation is deeply personal. “When we first started planning back in July, it all felt so far away, but now it’s coming to life, seeing that vision materialise has been incredible, and honestly, nothing compares to the buzz around charity week.” Muhaimin admits she didn’t plan to apply at first. “It was a last-minute decision,” she laughs. “But I realised I might never again get the chance to do so much good in so many ways. This campaign lets you help people across the world while also giving back to your own community. It really is the best of both worlds.”

Events to put in your diaries

The timeline is packed:
24th October – Charity Week Launch
29th October – Tube Collects Day
27th Oct - 7th Nov – Stalls Week
1st Nov – Football Tournament
3rd & 6th Nov – Girls-only Culture Night
7th Nov – Who wants to become a millionaire?
9th Nov - Seven Sisters Trek
12th Nov - The Auction Dinner

If there’s one thing everyone talks about, it’s Stalls Week, running from 27th October to 7th November, when the Sir Alexander Flemming foyer and Sherfield foyer will be filled with food, games, and surprises.Sham, the stalls head, beams while describing this year’s lineup: “Get ready for the most amazing drinks stall from a luxury Covent Garden brand (I can’t say who just yet!) but think big, and at student prices!” There’s also talks of a charity week bake off, a VR racing experience for F1 lovers, and even a custom perfume stall offering CW inspired scents including oud, bakhoor, and air fresheners that’ll “turn heads on campus.” And for students like Froher, who’s not part of ISoc but has been following CW for this year, the excitement is real. She’s most looking forward to the girls-only culture night. “There’ll be food from different cultures and everyone’s dressing in their traditional clothes, it’s such a beautiful way to celebrate diversity while giving back.”

More than just numbers

For Harun, success isn’t measured by how much money is raised.
“Success to me is seeing everyone give it their all, that people felt welcomed, that friendships were formed and that charity week became a moment of growth,” he says.“The bonds built during CW are unforgettable. Some of my closest friends, I met through the campaign, it’s truly beautiful seeing everyone unite under one joint purpose.”

So…why get involved?

Yusuf puts it simply: “If you’ve never tried charity week before, just turn up. Whether it’s football, bake sales, or the trek, I promise you won’t regret it.”And as the CW heads remind us, “No contribution is too small, you never know whose life you might change, maybe even your own.”

How to get involved

• Follow @imperial.isoc and @imperialcollegecw for updates and event details.
• Visit SAF or Sherfield Level 1 during stalls week, grab a drink, try the perfume, or join the bake-off.
• Attend the auction dinner, culture night, games nights, and the many other events planned for you.
• Most importantly: show up. Every small act adds up to something extraordinary.