Students at Carshalton and Merton Colleges have teamed up with Age UK to provide 200 gifts for some of the most vulnerable residents living within the Borough.
This was a huge project for the students, who were supported by the wider College community to fundraise and donate gifts. Kind donations have been received from Wimbledon Tennis Club, Waitrose Wimbledon, AFC Wimbledon, as well as local employers including Mill House Nursery, Plumbwerx, Rygas and Lakeshore Care. Staff, parents and friends of the Colleges have also contributed.
In a collective effort, Hospitality & Catering students baked mince pies and Media students produced promotional posters. Foundation Learning, Princes Trust and ESOL students all made handmade cards and decorated gift bags. Health and Social Care students packed and delivered the bags. Staff have also given their time to assist with card making, gift purchasing and deliveries.
The gift bags have been joyfully received by Merton residents, including an Age UK client aged 93 who received a bag, who said: “A big thank you, the handmade card is beautiful and the bag was packed with lovely gifts”.
Age UK Merton said: “We are extremely grateful to all the students from Merton and Carshalton Colleges for preparing and delivering festive packs to older people across the borough. Many clients have already been in touch to ask us to pass on their thanks”.
Angela Woolnough, Head of Employability, commented about the project: “We are very proud of our students and their community spirit, they have worked tirelessly on this project. It has been a difficult time again for many this year. At Merton and Carshalton Colleges we are keen to promote a sense of belonging and team work amongst our students, and to also encourage activities that support our local community. Our students have done a fantastic job!”
