Over the last two weeks, staff and students at Runshaw have been raising money for charity and supporting the local community – all whilst getting into the festive spirit!
Just take a look below at some of the festivities which have been taking place around college.
Runshaw’s Wish Tree
The spirit of giving shone brightly as students and staff united to support Leyland’s Women’s Refuge through the annual Christmas Wish Tree initiative. Generous donations poured in, ranging from toys and clothing to gift cards, ensuring festive cheer for families in need. Organised by the college’s Student Services team, the campaign aimed to provide comfort and joy to women and children facing challenging circumstances.
Supporting vulnerable students this Christmas
Runshaw’s Student Experience Team has made a meaningful impact this festive season by collecting over 1,000 food and toiletry donations to support vulnerable students. Generous contributions from staff, students, and the local community made this effort a resounding success. The donations have been carefully distributed to ensure that students in need receive essential supplies, ensuring comfort and wellbeing during the festive period. Many thanks to staff and students who donated items, the Wellbeing Hub, Student Services and our foundation learners, who volunteered to pack the bags of food for our students.
Medical Society spreads festive joy to our local community
Runshaw College’s Medical Society also made a difference through their active citizenship and community outreach initiative. The students have thoughtfully written heartfelt letters and Christmas cards to residents of local care homes, residential homes, and patients in hospitals. This project reflects the society’s commitment to fostering compassion, kindness, and a sense of community. By reaching out to individuals who may feel isolated during the holidays, the students hope to bring comfort, joy, and connection. The effort has been warmly received by care providers, who appreciate the thoughtfulness and dedication of the students. We were also privileged to host two of our past students; Dr. Phil Ellis, a dentist, who shared his journey through dental school and into practice, emphasising the importance of precision, patient care, and lifelong learning in the field of dentistry. Dr. Jen Ellis, a practising doctor, who inspired students with her experiences in medicine, discussed the rewards and challenges of her career. Phil and Jen actually met at Runshaw and have gone on to get married!
Noor Food Bank
This week, Stuart Hide, Jo Houghton, and Angie Macgregor from our Engineering department delivered food donations from our T Level Design, Surveying, and Planning students to the Noor Food Bank in Preston. We educate students about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the construction industry and encourage them to make a positive impact by contributing food items to support individuals and families in the Preston community. During the visit, we also helped sort and distribute food to those in need. The donations were gratefully received and deeply appreciated.
Christmas Jumper Day
Last week, staff and students united with a heartwarming goal: raising funds for MIND, the leading mental health charity. Throughout the day, members of the Student Union collected donations across the campus. MIND’s mission resonates deeply within the college, emphasising the importance of mental well-being for everyone. By supporting this cause, the Runshaw community not only contributes to a significant initiative but also sends a powerful message to those for whom Christmas may be a particularly difficult time. Over £250 was raised – thank you to our Runshaw community for giving so much back!
To end the week, Runshaw turned into a Christmas Winter Wonderland, complete with festive stands, snowboards and activities. A wonderful end to the term, we wish all our students, staff and partners a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Published by: MU
