The University of Chester’s Students’ Union is calling for members of the public to boycott bogus ‘rag mags’ that may be sold around the city.
Traditionally, educational institutions around the country have sold rag mags as part of an annual charity fundraising drive known as ‘rag week’, but with many universities, including Chester, now favouring year-long fundraising programmes, the magazines have, in many cases, been abolished.
In recent years, however, an increasing number of fake rag mags have been sold on the city streets.
Chester Students’ Union President, Jamie Northrop, said: “We would like to make it clear that we have nothing whatsoever to do with these sellers, who, it appears, do not even have street traders’ licenses. Members of the public who buy from them are not benefiting the University or supporting local causes.
“It is illegal under legislation covering charity work for non-students to run rag week activities. However, when sellers have been challenged by genuine students and staff about which university they are from, and who they are raising money for, they have been unable to give a credible answer.”
The Chester Students’ Union (CSU) works alongside public bodies in Chester to try and raise awareness of these magazines. Jamie sits on a multi-agency task force alongside representatives from the emergency services and Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is condemning tactics used by the sellers.
