Toys on the Table appeal breaks records

Christmas is here! It’s the season of giving and our generous staff and students have donated a record number of toys to the 2019 Toys on the Table appeal.

Over 800 gifts have been collected so far this year - double the donations of 2018. The success of the appeal means that children in Leicester and Leicestershire, who would have otherwise missed out on a Christmas present, will receive a gift.

Students are coming together to help wrap the gifts before posting them to the North Pole for Father Christmas to deliver. The presents will go to hundreds of children across the county from different backgrounds.

Vice-Chancellor Nishan Canagarajah called in to see the display of gifts, he said: “Being involved in the community is so important to the University. It’s heart-warming to know that our students and staff support this campaign year after year. I’m delighted and proud of the dedicated people who volunteer their time and energy to this wonderful campaign.”

Our campaign is led by Richard Gamble in the Estates and Campus Services team. Richard said: “This year we’ve collected even more than before and I’d like to thank everyone who made a donation to the campaign or told their colleagues about it. This has been a massive effort by so many people, thanks to you all, I wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

“I’m overwhelmed by the response, and delighted that we’re able to support of local community in this way. I know these gifts will help to make a child’s Christmas so special.”

As well as collecting donations for Toys on the Table, this year the team have also collected for Wishes 4 Kids and Leicestershire Cares who work with the homeless and women’s refuges.