Festive fun with the community

As is now tradition, lots of festive events have taken place on the University of Reading’s campuses this December, bringing staff, students and the local community together in the spirit of giving.

Santa Run

The annual Reading Rotary Club Santa Run was hosted on the University’s Whiteknights campus on Sunday 7 December.

Hundreds of runners dashed around campus in Santa outfits to raise money for local charities No5 and Berkshire Music Trust. A total of around £6,000 has been raised.

This was the fourth year the University hosted the event, which features the main 5km route and a family friendly 2km route.

Giving Tree

The University participated in The Giving Tree again this year. Run by Connect Reading, the campaign helps organisations and businesses work with local charities to become secret Santas for local people in need.

The University was collecting gifts for children and families who are supported by Berkshire Healthcare Charity and the Kennet Federation.

A total of 275 gifts were donated by University staff and students.

The local community generously donated 200 gifts to students who may not be with their families over the holiday period or are facing hardship.

Reading Toy Run

For the second-year running, the University’s Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP) was proud to be the starting point for this year’s Reading Toy Run.

Organised by Reading Christian Motorcyclists, the Toy Run is an annual tradition that has been running since 1985.

This year saw more than 1,000 motorbikes, trikes and quads set off on their journey, with many of the convoy in festive outfits, to deliver hundreds of toys and gifts to High Close School in Wokingham, in aid of children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Over 100 gifts were generously donated by tenants of The Gateway and the Enterprise Centre, as well as by members of the public who used TVSP as their drop-off point.

Despite the wet weather, the event was full of excitement, energy and festive spirit – plus the incredible noise of hundreds of motorbikes warming up and revving ready to go.

Many hundreds of spectators turned out to watch the bikers as they travelled along the route, from TVSP to Winnersh and then Wokingham.

Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: "It's been wonderful to see our campus come alive with festive spirit this December. From supporting local charities through the Santa Run and Giving Tree, to welcoming hundreds of bikers for the Reading Toy Run, we are proud to be an active part of the local community.

“We're delighted that staff, students and local residents have come together so generously, whether by donating gifts, running in Santa suits, or simply joining in the celebrations. It's this sense of community connection that makes the festive season so special."

For the fourth year, the University partnered with Whitley Community Development Association to host a Christmas lunch for over 50 Whitley residents and local partners. Guests enjoyed a two-course meal which was served by University and Hartland High School students. This was followed by a performance from the Whitley Park Primary School choir and the annual Christmas quiz.

The University is also hosting its Christmas with the Community event on Friday 19 December. This will see students and local residents come together to connect, share food and enjoy some Christmas crafts.

Santa Run photo credit: Christine Despabiladeras