Universities collect over a tonne of items during Festive Food Drive

Teesside University has joined forces with universities across the North East to collect more than a tonne of food and toiletries for families who need a little help this Christmas.?

The 2023 Festive Food Drive saw Teesside, Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland universities team-up to collect goods at donation points across their campuses.?

Staff and student volunteers helped collect and package up the goods which were weighed to reveal an incredible grand total of 1,696kg of items collected across the five universities.?

This equates to just over a tonne and a half of food, which made up the majority of donated items, and is estimated to be enough to provide around 1,700 meals for families across the North East.?

Each university worked with chosen charities throughout the Festive Food Drive, and they will now distribute the goods to those in need in the run up to Christmas.?

Jayne Golden, Teesside University Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “Everyone at Teesside University is proud to have been part of such a worthy initiative. It’s fantastic that all five North East universities were able to come together in this way to help people in need during the festive season.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support of all our students and colleagues who generously donated an incredible 518kg of essential items to help vulnerable people in our local communities.

“Our collections will support two Teesside charities - A Way Out in Stockton and FareShare in Middlesbrough.”

Andy Popple, Volunteering and Employability Co-ordinator at FareShare North East said: “FareShare North East in Middlesbrough were thrilled by the generosity of donations from Teesside University.

“All of the food and other items will be redistributed through our network of Community Food Members who in turn will ensure it reaches the people who need it the most.

“A huge thank you from us and all of our members for your support.”

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