Christmas activities connect campus with community
19 December 2023
The spirit of Christmas has been evident across the University of Reading’s campuses this festive season, with a number of community activities in December.
Santa Run
The annual Reading Rotary Santa Run was hosted on the University’s Whiteknights campus on Sunday 10 December.
500 runners dashed around campus in Santa outfits to raise money for three local good causes: Starting Point, Reading Community Learning Centre and the Rotary Benevolent Fund.
The event took place on campus for the second year running and featured the main 5km route and a 2km route for children and those unable to run.
Additional funding from the University’s Community Fund initiative meant that Santa suits could be provided for entrants, while keeping ticket prices to a minimum.
Giving Tree
Once again, the University is participating in The Giving Tree project. 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 connected with the Royal Berkshire Hospital for the second year, with gifts going to children and young people staying in hospital over Christmas.
A target of 150 presents, up to a value of £15 each, was set. The final amount of gifts donated was 164, with both staff and students participating in the campaign.
Christmas with the Community
Following feedback from the University’s Community Forum to provide more opportunities for residents and students to connect, the University and Reading Students’ Union held a community dinner on Tuesday 12 December.
70 students and residents attended the dinner, held in Reading Students’ Union. In addition to food being served there was a chance for attendees to decorate gingerbread and watch the film Home Alone.
The University also jointly hosted a Christmas afternoon tea for approximately 40 Woodley and Shinfield residents on Friday 1 December, and provided a two course Christmas lunch and quiz for 50 Whitley residents, in collaboration with the Whitley Community Development Association and others, on Thursday 14 December.
Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: “It is great to see the University engaged in so many community-based Christmas activities. It wonderful for us to connect with those beyond our campus and help to build positive relationships between both our staff and student body and residents in the local area.
“It was wonderful to host the Reading Rotary Santa Run again this year and to welcome so many people to our campus for this festive event that raises vital funds for local charities.”
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