STUDENTS and staff at Edge Hill University have been spreading festive cheer by donating gifts to local charities.

Organisations including:- Home Start family support charity, The Liberty Centre domestic violence support service, The Birchwood Centre homeless charity, Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, and Noahs Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary were delighted to receive gifts collected by the University’s Careers Team through their Christmas Giving Tree initiative.

Karen Cooke, manager at Home-Start Southport & Formby, said:- “Working families who are normally just about managing financially are struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis, which has taken a huge toll, leading to anxiety, stress, and mental Illness. Home-Start has been there for families, by their side, offering friendship and practical help, and where possible we help with emergency food vouchers, gas, electricity, and warm, friendly spaces where families can come together. Parents have been able to gain peer support and reduce isolation and loneliness. We are so grateful to everyone at Edge Hill for donating these small gifts of kindness which really will brighten Christmas up for our families.”
 

The Christmas Giving Tree project encouraged students and staff to choose a gift tag from the Christmas tree in Catalyst, the University library, and donate the gift suggested on the tag.

Helen Rimmer, Careers Volunteering Adviser, explained that their ambition is to encourage as many people to take part as possible by providing ideas for low cost gifts.

Helen commented:- “We just wanted to help make a difference and enable as many people as possible to contribute. We were mindful that not everyone can give their time to volunteer regularly so we wanted to provide a snapshot of volunteering, to show you can make a difference without a huge commitment. And we know money is tight for a lot of people right now but we didn’t want that to stop us being able to support some of our local charities, so by suggesting low-cost ideas everyone could take part.”

The team aimed to collect a minimum of 90 gifts in recognition of the University celebrating 90 years at its Ormskirk campus and, thanks to the generosity of students and staff, the target was easily surpassed.

Lynn Anderton, fellow Careers Volunteering Adviser, added:- “Edge Hill is highlighting and celebrating our shared history with Ormskirk and, in line with the University’s commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the community, this is another way we can give back to the area which first welcomed us all those years ago.”

Find out more about how Edge Hill is celebrating 90 years in Ormskirk here.

The University’s Careers Team helps students develop their employability, offering opportunities to learn, gain transferable skills, and acquire relevant work experience.