RAG of Hope Day 2025: A Celebration of Giving, Creativity, and Community Spirit

On February 22, 2025, the Hillcrest Campus, Tuks RAG Farm, was buzzing with energy, excitement, and a shared purpose—giving back to the community. The much-anticipated RAG of Hope Day brought together people of all ages, uniting students, alumni, and the greater UP family in a day of fun, creativity, and charity.

This event wasn't just about raising funds and donations—it was about making a difference. RAG Partnerships showcased their creativity by crafting unique items from recycled materials, all in support of UP RAG, a special committee dedicated to uplifting communities in need. This year’s activities emphasised that small actions today can create a brighter tomorrow, reinforcing the message that generosity, no matter how small, can drive real change.

A Day Packed with Fun and Purpose

From exciting games and live entertainment to sports competitions and delicious food, there was something for everyone at RAG of Hope Day! The market stalls were filled with handcrafted goods, including beautifully crocheted keyrings and hair bows (which doubled as bow ties for men), created by Commercii in partnership with NATHouse. Participants enjoyed nostalgic childhood games, while others took on the adventure of exploring all the games that UP RAG had to offer, adding an extra thrill to the event.

The entry fee wasn’t just about money—non-perishable goods and sanitary pads were accepted, ensuring that donations went directly to those in need. In line with UP’s modern approach, the event was completely cashless, with only card payments allowed for purchases.

Hard Work, Team Spirit, and Well-Deserved Recognition

Pulling off an event like this wasn’t without its challenges. From craft-making struggles to last-minute preparations, the road to RAG of Hope Day had its fair share of hiccups. But in the end, it was all worth it! The Commercii team’s dedication paid off, earning two well-deserved certificates—a testament to their passion and effort.

The day’s highlights included:
✅ Exciting sports competitions, where some of our awards came from.
✅ UP’s Got Talent, which kept the crowd entertained with incredible performances.
✅ Delicious food stalls, where the food stalls served up hotdogs, potatoes on a stick, and refreshing drinks, well those are the food items I had for the day.

More Than Just an Event—A Step Towards Change

RAG of Hope Day was a beautiful reminder that when people come together, real change happens. I always thought I needed something big or a lot of money to truly give back, but this event showed me that even the smallest contributions can make a big impact. Whether it was donating a single item, buying a handmade craft, or simply showing up in support, every action mattered.

As an Economics student, I strongly believe in tackling socio-economic issues head-on. My biggest goal? To help communities, schools, and organizations in need. The dream wasn’t just to raise “enough” money—it was to raise a lot so that we could make a significant impact.

RAG of Hope Day 2025 proved that we don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or large amounts of money to give back—we just need to start. Because when we work together, we can change lives.

Here’s to more giving, more impact, and an even bigger RAG of Hope Day in 2026!