Volunteers Spread the Seasonal Spirit at BGU

Beginning at 10.30am on Wednesday, dedicated volunteers set to work, successfully wrapping almost 400 presents by the end of the day.

Donated by various well-wishers from the local community, the gifts are all in aid of Mental Health Trust Wards and Community Mental Health Groups across Lincoln who will be supporting vulnerable people over Christmas. Recipients include:

• Peter Hodgkinson Centre
• The Francis Willis Unit
• Discovery House
• Age UK

This is the University’s third event in support of the initiative and Sophie Saunders, who helps organise BGU’s involvement in the event, was delighted to see the BGU community continuing to come together to lend a hand:

“It really is fantastic to not only be running this event for the third year but to see repeat volunteers returning again to show their support.

"Every year their hard work makes such a difference to vulnerable people at what can be a difficult and overwhelming time. Thanks to the donations we receive, none of which go to waste, and our volunteers we are able to spread the seasonal spirit to corners of the county where it might not normally reach.”

Alongside the 10 full day volunteers, members of staff dropped in throughout the day to lend a hand. In particular, the organisers were keen to praise the involvement of BGU’s Library and Student Advice teams who, in addition to volunteering on the day, decided to buy presents to donate to the initiative instead of running a traditional secret Santa.

Plans are already in motion to continue running the event in the future, ensuring it remains a successful part of the University calendar. You can keep up to date with all the activities being carried out by our staff and students on our news page.

If you would like to know more about how to get involved in the BGU Staff Volunteering Scheme - which supports and encourages staff to take time off for charitable activities - you can contact Sophie Saunders (Executive Assistant to the Executive Deans) or Victoria Burrows (People and Resourcing Executive Assistant).