Students’ winter clothing project achieves Top 20 place in global business innovation programme

A dedicated team of students from York St John University’s London campus has been selected as one of 20 finalists in the prestigious Enactus UK & Ireland competition. 

Enactus supports students and young people to engage in social action and social enterprise. It aims to develop a network of leaders equipped with the skills to lead responsibly and use business as a catalyst for positive social and environmental impact.  

Students at York St John University’s London campus set up WinterKind as an Enactus YSJ project focused on tackling clothing insecurity in London. The project aimed to collect, redistribute, and upcycle donated winter clothing as well as convert some of the donated items into quilts for people experiencing homelessness.  

Ruke Ejegreh, Enactus YSJ team leader, reflected on the project’s journey: 

“Through our WinterKind project, we recognised a growing challenge faced by many international and low-income students who arrive in the UK unprepared for the realities of winter. At the same time, large volumes of usable clothing are discarded each year. WinterKind was created to bridge that gap; collecting donated winter clothing, redistributing essential items to those who need them most, and promoting a circular approach that reduces textile waste. 

“Seeing this idea grow from a campus initiative into a project recognised at a national level reinforces our belief that when young people are empowered with the right platform, they can design practical solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact in their communities. Reaching the Top 20 is a powerful reflection of the commitment, creativity, and resilience of our team.”  

The team applied for funding from the University’s Friendly Living Fund to support their project. This micro-grant programme was established through a partnership between the Institute for Social Justice’s Living Lab and the York St John Students’ Union. The Friendly Living Fund aims to empower students to develop skills as researchers, advocates and activists, with individuals or groups eligible to apply for up to £400 to help with the costs of projects. 

Ruke added:  

“The Friendly Living Fund aligned perfectly with our desire to address real, everyday challenges faced by students and the wider community in a sustainable way. The fund gave us the opportunity to turn WinterKind from an idea into a practical project that supports international students with low-cost winter clothing while also reducing waste and environmental impact.” 

Praising the Enactus student team, Nelum Haththella, Employability and Employer Engagement Manager at York St John University London said: 

“The success of the team highlights the importance of student outcomes and civic engagement at our London campus. By stepping outside the lecture theatre to tackle real-world issues, our students are bridging the gap between education and impact. Their work on WinterKind Project shows exactly what is possible when our students have the opportunity to lead with both a head for business and a heart for the world.” 

Amy Brereton, CEO of Enactus UK & Ireland, added:  

“Reaching the Top 20 is a huge achievement, but the real win is seeing the leadership and creativity they bring to their communities. The young people we work with are a powerful reminder of what is possible when we support young people with the skills, confidence, and agency to lead." 

Following success at the Regional Qualifiers, the team will advance to the NextGen World Cup Qualifier event on 14 and 15 April. This milestone represents a significant step towards the Enactus World Cup 2026, which takes place in São Paulo, Brazil, later this year. 

Image shows (l-r): Jevwe Avwioroko, Hakeem Ogunwade, Nelum Haththella, Ruke Ejegweh