Merton Calling: September Telethon raises £240,000

Merton’s annual September Telethon, which has just finished on 1 October, has raised a record £238,723.10 for the College. It marks the launch of the 2013-14 Annual Fund and comes on the back of our most successful ever Annual Fund year in 2012-13. Gifts will help the College safeguard the Tutorial System, support students and protect Merton’s historic buildings.

The College’s Telephone Campaigns have been running successfully since 2002, and are not just about raising money, but also about exchanging dialogue with Mertonians worldwide. There are few other ways in which we can engage in genuine two-way dialogue with Mertonians everywhere from New England to New Zealand!

This year the student team reached over 700 Mertonians, receiving queries on everything from the history of Embleton Church in Northumberland (which has historical connections to Merton from around 1274, through to admissions procedures. Our dedicated team of 11 student callers were happy to hear from Mertonians, share experiences, and speak about Merton’s exciting Anniversary year in 2014. We are delighted that Mertonians were able to hear first- hand about the College's Celebrations next year, (booking opens on 1 November), as we are to report that almost two thirds of Mertonians contacted chose to participate in Merton’s Annual Fund. Their generosity will be matched by a group of generous Mertonians, raising a total of almost £500,000 towards Merton’s 750th Anniversary Campaign, Sustaining Excellence.