“From Our Hearts” Christmas Charity Appeal Concludes at The Henley College

The Henley College is proud to share the success of the recent “From Our Hearts” Christmas Charity Appeal, which brought our college community together in support of two important local charities, Nomad and Care4Calais. This year’s theme, “From Our Hearts: Giving warmth, comfort and support to those who need it most”, captured the spirit of generosity shown by students, staff and families throughout the collection period. 

The appeal invited donations of warm clothing, non-perishable food, toiletries and winter essentials. These contributions have now been delivered to the charities, where they will make an immediate difference to people facing very difficult circumstances. 

Simon Spearman, Principal of The Henley College, expressed his pride stating:

“I am extremely proud of our students and staff who have come together to make a real difference. This appeal has not only given vital necessities for those in need, but has also strengthened the bonds between our college and the local community.”

Supporting Refugees Through Care4Calais 

Care4Calais Thames Valley works directly with refugees accommodated in Reading, Maidenhead and Henley. Many of these young people reach the United Kingdom with very few possessions and often without the basic items needed to keep warm. 

Emma Clark Lam offered an insight into the reality facing those she works with. She shared: 

“As part of my role at Care4Calais in the Thames Valley, I support people seeking asylum who are based in Reading. I am a community volunteer for a hotel, where I support young men who are all very vulnerable. They have come to this country because they have been persecuted in their own countries. Some are fleeing war, such as in Sudan. We also look after a few homosexual men who live in societies where they are not tolerated and are often brutally punished by their own families, so that is just a snapshot of the people we are supporting.” 

Students and staff at The Henley College contributed warm coats, footwear, hoodies, jeans, sleeping bags, tents, suitcases, power banks and other essential items. These donations will provide much needed comfort and protection. 

Emma also explained how crucial these items are, especially during the winter months. She said: 

“We have people arriving in no shoes, in flip flops and no coats. Another issue is that even if they are granted permission to remain and gain residency for five years, it is very difficult for them to find somewhere to live. They have only 28 days from the day they receive their decision to find a room to rent, to get their universal credit and look for a job.” 

She added that the challenge of homelessness is significant, making certain donations invaluable. “Unfortunately, this means a few end up street homeless which is why we are incredibly grateful for the tents and sleeping bags so at least we can keep them dry in the winter.” 

She also expressed her frustration at the recent press coverage of people seeking asylum. “There is a lot of disinformation in the media about ‘illegal immigrants’. Unfortunately, there are no safe routes into the UK to claim asylum and many risk their lives in small boats to seek refuge. These people would not put their children and or themselves into a leaky dinghy if they weren’t fleeing a much worse situation back home.” 

Making a Local Impact with Nomad 

Alongside support for refugees, the appeal also provided essential help to Nomad in Henley, a charity that works with people facing homelessness and poverty in the surrounding area. Nomad offers practical assistance including a day centre, food support, shelter and guidance aimed at helping people stabilise their lives. 

Much of the food donated by our college community will be used in Nomad’s annual Christmas food parcels. These parcels offer vital assistance to families and individuals who are struggling at this time of year. 

Jaco Bruwer from Nomad described the impact that The Henley College has made. He said: 

“We are the Nomad youth and community project working in the centre of Henley, in which we work with young people and run the local food bank. The food that has been collected by The Henley College will go to our Christmas food parcels that we do every year. We hand out around 300 food parcels a year to families and individuals in Henley who are in need and we are extremely grateful for what the students and staff of the college have contributed.” 

Warm clothing, toiletries and sleeping bags donated to Nomad will also support people experiencing hardship throughout the winter season. 

A Community Effort to Celebrate 

The “From Our Hearts” appeal has highlighted the compassion and commitment within The Henley College community. The support shown for both Nomad and Care4Calais has provided comfort and practical help to people whose lives are marked by uncertainty and difficulty. 

The College extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part. Your donations have made a genuine difference and reflect the values of kindness, empathy and social responsibility that lie at the heart of our community.