The Nexus Foundation Trust is a social enterprise set up earlier this year by students from Oxford. They create innovative fundraising events and research ways of optimizing performance in the charity sector. ‘One-Week’ is a set of fundraising projects being held across Oxfordshire in February 2010.

These include entertainment-based events, such as a variety show at Oxford Town Hall, a film night at Magdalen College, and the launch of a book by local writers and high-profile authors.

One-Week is different from most other fundraisers in that it will be up to audiences and contributors to choose which charities will benefit from the money raised.

‘One-Week Book’ will be a collection of short stories, from which half the profit from sales will be donated to a charity of the purchaser’s choice, and the other half will go to charities nominated by the authors.

Broadcaster John Humphrys has contributed a piece about the impressive and under-publicised work of some of the smallest charities across the world.

His foundation, The Kitchen Table Charities Trust, which provides grants to these organisations, will raise money through sales of the One-Week Book.

Therefore, people can do something they really enjoy at these events, while supporting a cause they believe in. Local talent is being sought for the variety show, and also submissions for the One-Week Book.

The founder of Nexus FT, O-J Dyar, said: “We hope our events will inspire people to contribute to a cause they believe in, and in ways that go beyond donating money.

“For example, we will be running a skills exchange at our events, identifying ways in which everyday skills can be used to help charities.

One-Week is also an opportunity for people to discover the cause they are most passionate about.

“People can choose to donate to a named charity, or to one of our six ‘core causes’, which are: international development and human rights; healthcare; children and education; society and work; the environment; and elderly people.

“We are now asking people across Oxfordshire to nominate local charities in each of these core causes.”

To find out how you can nominate a local charity or participate in the One-Week events in February, visit the website www.one-week.com.

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