Warming up this winter

Sheffield’s less fortunate have been getting some tender loving care this Christmas as students have joined forces to raise money and donate gifts to them.

The University of Sheffield’s Volunteer Committee has organised a winter full of activities to help bring some Christmas cheer into the lives of abused children, refugees and drug addicts in Sheffield.

This week, the committee have been holding their annual drive on the concourse, Winter Warmers, to recruit event volunteers.

Activities range from the Christmas Gifts Appeal - where volunteers donate a shoebox of gifts to the needy - to Santa 5K, which involves running 5 kilometres dressed as Father Christmas.

Harry Stevens, from the committee, said: "It’s a well established campaign run by the Volunteer Committee, and we’ve had much success in the past. We hope, with the help from students, this will continue this year."

The committee has teamed up with local organisations such as cancer charity Amy’s Retreat, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and St. Mark’s Church.

At the recruitment drive, the committee will be providing prospective volunteers with free mince pies and hot chocolate. The festive activities will continue into the New Year.

Students can sign up for an event at the Student Volunteering Office in The Source.

Andre Nunn