Students and staff from Selby College are giving back to those who need it most this Christmas through a number of charity initiatives.

In total, the College has raised more than £765 for various charities in the lead up to Christmas, including the British Biker Relief Foundation, Children in Need and Save the Children.

Donation boxes were also set up across the College to gather items for Mission Trinity in Goole and Knottingley Foodbank, which both provide support to people in need and the homeless across the county.

Contributions included hats and scarfs, toiletries, sanitary products, tinned meats, dry foods and much more.

“At Selby College, it’s extremely important to us that we support our local community and help those in need, especially during the Christmas period. The generosity our staff and students have shown through their contributions has been fantastic with more than 14kg of food and two bags of toiletries donated between Mission Trinity and Knottingley Foodbank. We hope the items go a long way in helping both charities to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families this Christmas,” said Rebecca James, Work Placement Coordinator at Selby College, who set up the donation.

The College’s Pathway to Progression students also collected items for Jerry Greens Dog Rescue, which provides a safe place for homeless dogs and to find new loving places for them to live.

This included items such as toys and tennis balls, tinned dog food, treats and more to create ‘doggy shoe boxes’ for the rescue dogs at the local Jerry Green Dog Rescue centre.

Pathways student Christina Noble also donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

The College’s Hospitality and Catering students also raised money for the British Biker Relief Foundation (BBRF) in memory of their former classmate Tom Ferguson, with a Christmas themed raffle.

Tom, who completed his Level 2 Professional Cookery qualification at the College in summer, tragically lost his life due to a motorbike accident in September 2021.

On Friday 10^th December, staff and students from across the College also wore their Christmas Jumpers to raise money for Save the Children.

In more than 100 countries around the world, Save the Children helps children stay safe and healthy whilst learning. The charity tackles issues such as pneumonia, hunger and protecting children in war, while making sure each child’s unique needs are cared for.