Staff and students from across the Caring Services department have embraced the festive season by taking part in two charity fundraising and outreach activities this month, raising more than £300 and donating 60 care packages to organisations close to their hearts.
Health and Social Care learners got crafty and creative as they assembled more than 60 care packages for local homelessness charity, the Falcon Centre. Students put together boxes filled with non-perishable food, toiletries, and other essentials, wrapped in festive paper for users of the service, which operates across Charnwood.
They were joined by Principal and CEO Corrie Harris, and Deputy Principal Heather Clarke as they discussed the importance of charity and community engagement and made hand-written Christmas cards for the recipients of the packages.
Reflecting on the importance of community outreach, Curriculum Manager for Caring Services, Sharon Geary-Neal said: “We have been supporting the Falcon Centre for the last few years and it is absolutely heartening to see the empathy and passion that all our students have for local charities. I want to thank all the learners plus the staff from across College who donated items to the project. It will make a real difference to people on Christmas Day.”
The festive generosity continued on Wednesday 3rd December as the Caring Services team marked Elf Day – the annual Christmas fundraising campaign by national charity, the Alzheimer's Society. Through fabulous fancy dress, and a festive raffle and tombola, the team were able to raise more than £300.
Sharon continued: “The Alzheimer's Society is a charity that’s really close to our hearts. It was fantastic to see our students embrace fundraising and community spirit so readily. I am so proud of the hard work our Caring Services students put into both our charity projects and am so grateful for the wider College community for their support. Together we have made a real positive impact on the lives of many people.”
These charity and community outreach projects are the latest in the College’s part in the Good for Me, Good for FE initiative. Over the last academic year, students and staff contributed more than 500 hours of volunteer time for numerous community projects, and raised nearly £10,000 for non-profit organisations both locally and nationally.