On 1 December, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) launched its ‘12 Days of Kindness college-wide campaign, inspired by the famous carol ‘12 Days of Christmas.’

The aim of the campaign, was to inspire and encourage various acts of kindness amongst students and staff, spreading Christmas cheer within the College and local Community.

During the ‘12 days’ RuTC collected clothing, and money donations for various charities and groups, these included MIND Richmond, METRO, Centrepoint, Cancer Research, Save the Children and the Afghanistan Red Cross.

In addition, staff and students donated food to a local food bank, volunteered their time at a local soup kitchen and litter-picked within the community.

On the 12th and final day of kindness, Supported Learning Students amazed staff and students with their rendition of ‘Cinderella’ in the College’s new purpose-built theatre. Staff were also treated to a ‘mince pies and music’ end of term get together, to celebrate their hard work throughout the autumn term.

Following ‘12 days of Kindness’ the College donated seven large bags of dried, tinned and long-life food to a local foodbank, 10 large bags full of winter clothing for the Afghanistan Red Cross, 1 sleeping bag made from donated crisp packets for the homeless and two large bags full of feminine hygiene products to a local women’s refuge.

In addition, RuTC raised £130 for Centrepoint via cake and decoration sales at the Supported Learning Christmas Fair, £86 for Save the Children through Christmas Jumper Day and £58 for Cancer Research through the sale of Christmas cards made and sold by Art students.

The impact of RuTC’s ‘12 Days of Kindness’ campaign within both the College and the Community will have made a significant difference to the lives of many adults and children during the Christmas period who will benefit from RuTC’s donations and the support from the various charities involved.

Inspired by the success of the ‘12 Days of Kindness’ campaign, the College will be continuing this objective into January with the launch of its ‘Mindfulness Month’ campaign where students will be invited to participate in various activities promoting a positive mindset and wellbeing, including Zumba sessions, art therapy, low mood tutorials and mindfulness lessons.

Check out what they got up to in the Gallery below!