THE chairman of the Okehampton College Parents Teachers Friends' Association pleaded for more people to get behind the association in the vital role of supporting its fundraising. Cindy Squire, the PTFA chair, said: 'Without our continued support the young people would not receive any of the extras that help to make college life that little bit more fulfilling and special. 'Unfortunately, there are a lot of parents that still do not seem to realise that supporting their child's education does not finish when they start at the college — on the contrary it is possibly even more important. 'Helping the PTFA and thus the college, can be a very positive way of quietly supporting our children's learning. 'Some parents seem to be of the misguided understanding that because the college is so big, the council or local government will simply pay for everything. Yes, the everyday running of the college is paid for, but none of the necessary extras.' The committee thanked all who have supported the organisation during the past year and who helped ensure fundraising events were such successes. Among the successes have been the the Edwardian Evening in December, which raised almost £2,000 and a dinner at Ashbury Golf Course in January which contributed £800. The committee voiced special thanks to Simon Essex for donating all the revenue from the ticket sales. PTFA fundraising secured £555 for an industrial heat press in the technology department, £500 for much needed music stands, £600 on computer equipment, £300 for Lego in the drop-in centre, £100 for the A-level drama costume hire, and key stage three awards were funded at a cost of £1,500. 'Even the paintings in the food hall and the picnic tables outside were bought by the PTFA,' said Cindy. 'So please remember it is your children that will benefit from all fundraising. 'This year one of the main projects that we need to help Okehampton College with is to purchase a minibus, which will be used for field trips as well as sporting events — the current old bus is not going to last much longer. 'What the PTFA would ideally like to set up is a network of helpers from Okehampton and the college catchment area, whereby two or three representatives would attend committee meetings then report back to their home town or village.' 'A good example of this working well was at the Edwardian Evening, when two parents from Hatherleigh arranged a collection of produce to fill one of the famous Christmas hampers. Next Christmas wouldn't it be wonderful if every parish could do the same?' The PTFA is looking for help with an Auction of Promises on Friday, March 30. If anyone has anything they could donate — it could be as varied as giving an hour's worth of time for gardening, cleaning, cooking a meal, providing a holiday let, a chauffeur driven car or a day out, contact Cindy on 01837 810969. People are also invited to the next meeting at 6pm in the college on Tuesday, March 6.