From 25 to 29 November, the University took part in the Community Toy Appeal with the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, which supports underprivileged children in the Church Street Ward area.
The toy appeal has been running for six years, with this year’s gifts going to COSMIC Ward at St Mary’s Hospital. Last year, over 500 gifts were collected by 42 businesses within the Quarter, all of which were given to children who might otherwise not have received a gift at all.
The Baker Street Quarter Partnership works on projects and services categorised into their six priorities: quality spaces and streets, better air quality, safe and cared for, vibrant and entertaining, local networks and community and collective voice and area identity.
The funds raised from the Carol Service and Festive Gathering will go towards the gifts, with staff having raised over £200.
Dr David Scott, Principal Lecturer in Architecture and Director of the Fabrication Laboratory Westminster, designed and built the bespoke donation sleigh still in place at the University’s Marylebone campus.
Donations are still being accepted and can be made until Christmas. This includes toys, games, books, non-perishable food and personal welfare items for the Trussell Trust Camden Food Bank.
The appeal within the University was organised by John Whitemore, Facilities Team Leader, who said: “Here at the University of Westminster we value compassion, generosity and empathy above all, which is why we were proud to be part of the BSQ Christmas Toy Appeal.
“We established donation points in our Cavendish, Marylebone and Harrow Campuses and were pleased with the response by both staff and students. As a special touch Dr David Scott of the UoW FabLab created a Sleigh for the Marylebone site. Our association with the BSQ and the good work it undertakes is an essential part of our standing in the local community, long may it continue.”
Learn more about the University’s corporate social responsibility.
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