Earlier this month, one of the University of Sheffield’s biggest societies, Bummit, participated in a charity hitchhike from the university campus to Glasgow.
The event called ‘Baby Bummit’ is a miniature version of Bummit, where teams hitchhike to a random place in Europe, which takes place later in the year. The event has raised an incredible amount of money for charity.
Max Holloway, Chair of the Society and participant, said: “We have raised £20,000 as of last Monday, we expect to raise between £21,000 and £22,000 with the final number being revealed on the 4th December.”
The money raised will be awarded to four different charities, Sage, a mental health charity based around practising mindfulness and giving people a community to engage with and enjoy some calming activities.
As well as a Sheffield-based charity, Cavendish Cancer Care, Snowdrop which aids victims of human trafficking seek asylum, and finally, Urban Roots, a Glasgow-based charity that maintains several gardens across Glasgow, promoting biodiversity.
Anyone in the University of Sheffield can join Bummit society, it is a great way for students to meet interesting and like-minded people.
Emily Smaling, Vice Chair, and participant, said: “Bummit is a charity hitchhike which has been running for 20 years. The aim is to raise money by doing something fun & and challenging – getting from Sheffield to another city without spending any money on travel.”
Lifts are not always promised and those taking part must be prepared to brave the wait depending on the kindness of those going past.
She also said: “My highlight of baby Bummit was getting a lift from Scotch Corner straight to the hostel in Glasgow after waiting for 2.5 hours as we were almost ready to give up.”
To ensure everyone’s safety there were safety talks, taking them through details such as what to do if someone is feeling unsafe, noting number plates, and having a safety phone on hand.
Max Holloway, said: “Everyone that went on the trip had to have a safety talk where we took them through our procedures and how to stay safe during the hitchhike.”
To find out more about Bummit Society, find their social media @bummit_hitch_hick
