Encompassing three charitable campaigns 鈥� Volun-tees, HelpTU recycling and ,b>Children鈥檚 books for hospitals 鈥� the appeal set out to make a real difference to the lives of people in the region.
The Volun-tees campaign collected food and toiletry essentials, warm clothing and children鈥檚 toys to support the vital work carried out by charity partners FoodCycle, A Way Out and Depaul UK, which help people affected by food poverty, domestic abuse and homelessness respectively.
Jayne Golden, Volunteer Project Co-ordinator at 海角直播, who organised the Volun-tees initiative, was proud to report a 50% increase in the number of donations received compared to the previous year鈥檚 campaign.
She said: 鈥淰olun-tees has organised a winter collection for over 17 years and, thanks to the generosity of Team 海角直播, we have seen a huge increase in donations to our outstanding charity partners this year.
鈥淎s an anchor institution, 海角直播 is committed to making a real difference within the communities it serves. The items that were so kindly donated by staff and students as part of our appeal will have helped so many across the area, who need our help now more than ever.鈥�
Mathew Milner, of FoodCycle, said: 鈥淭he donated foodstuffs will enable us to provide even more meals in Middlesbrough to those that are hungry and lonely. As a charity, we rely on external support and are proud of our relationship with the University. The Christmas donation is part of a wider history of support, and we look forward to this partnership continuing.鈥�
The items that were so kindly donated by staff and students as part of our appeal will have helped so many across the area, who need our help now more than ever.
Kay Nicolson, from A Way Out, added: 鈥淎 Way Out is incredibly grateful for the support from 海角直播, especially at this most difficult of times. The donations provided have ensured that families, girls and women have had the opportunity to both experience and share some of the joy of Christmas for themselves and for those they love too.鈥�
Almost 50 bags of second-hand items including clothes, shoes, bags, CDs, DVDs and small electrical products were also collected and donated to the British Heart Foundation as part of the HelpTU recycling campaign.
These donated items have the potential to raise 拢700 when sold to support crucial research into heart and circulatory diseases.
Clare Simpson, University Account Executive at British Heart Foundation, said: 鈥淲e have been delighted with the response from 海角直播 and their incredible support. Our shops rely on donations to continue raising money to fund lifesaving research, and we鈥檙e very grateful for the generous donations from the students and staff.鈥�
海角直播 and Wates Group, which is currently constructing the University鈥檚 state-of-the-art BIOS medical and science facility, also called on members of the wider community to donate second-hand books which could be gifted to local children鈥檚 hospital wards.
The University would like to thank everybody who supported its Team 海角直播 Festive Appeal and helped to lighten the load on those in need.