A husband and wife who are both college principals in London and Kent are joining forces for a special Christmas campaign.
Shireen and Graham Razey, principals at Christ The King Sixth Forms and EKC Group respectively, are planning to make this Christmas special for disadvantaged young people in their communities.
The couple are asking students, staff and stakeholders to contribute towards their Christmas Gift Appeal by making a monetary donation, or giving a small toy or present, to ensure that those in need experience the joy of receiving something special this Christmas.
The presents will be distributed to Demelza Hospice Care for Children, St Vincent de Paul Society and Refuge.
News: Government announces reform plans for university access
Opinion: FE, let’s follow Jill Biden’s example and step into TV
Food bank Friday: Why we’re launching a festive version
Ms Razey said: “Our students are keen to make a difference in the local communities where they live and work, many of which have been effected by the pandemic. Our sixth forms do a lot of work supporting charities, and we all wanted to make the festive period special for young people who have experienced such hardship this year.”
Colleges spreading Christmas cheer
The coronavirus pandemic had left many colleges unable to deliver the same amount of “positive change” in communities, said Mr Razey.
“We have a regular programme of youth-led social action within our family of six further education colleges and three business units in east Kent. However, this year the pandemic has meant that we’ve been unable to get out into the community and deliver the same amount of positive change we are normally able to,” he says.
“So, this year we wanted to ensure that we were doing something additional to benefit those who might otherwise not have a Christmas that was as special as it might be.”
If you would like to donate to the campaign, please drop presents at either Canterbury College or CTK St Mary’s in Sidcup, CTK Emmanuel in Lewisham or CTK Aquinas in Brockley.
Or you can donate money on the fundraising page here.