Derby Union of Students donates food for care packages for city’s vulnerable residents

The University of Derby’s Union of Students has donated £2,000 of food and soft drinks to support students and vulnerable residents in the city.

Following the closure of the University’s sites this week in response to the government’s guidance on the coronavirus outbreak, the Union also had to close its three convenience stores, two coffee shops and bar.

The Union’s Retail and Venues teams wanted to ensure that the stock that was unable to be sold could in some way have a positive impact on students and the local community.

Some of the stock was donated to students in halls of residence. After consulting with the Padley Group, which works with disadvantaged people in Derby with a range of needs, the rest of the stock was donated to Derby Community Covid Response Team for care packages being putting together to support vulnerable individuals and families in the local community.

Reverend Paul, Curate of St Alkmund’s Church, who is part of the response team, said: “This donation will be part of our ongoing initiative to feed the city’s most vulnerable people, and we are extremely grateful.”

Martin Beaumont, Derby Union of Students’ Head of Operations, said: “As a Union it is great to know that in such challenging times a small gesture can help support such a large amount of people.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, University Vice Chancellor, said: “This is a fantastic response from the Union of Students to a very difficult situation for our whole community, but particularly to the situation of those in our city who are already vulnerable, and in support of the excellent work of the response team.

“It is vital that we think of the needs of everyone in our community, sharing and donating resources where we can to ensure those most in need can be supported.”

The Union of Students has a rolling programme of work with local and national charitable organisations, and students have raised and donated over £50,000 to partners such as First Steps ED, Rays of Sunshine, Women’s Work, Marie Curie and CHICKS over the last few years.

Raise and Give (RAG) is a student-led service which allows students to fundraise for charities throughout the year, hosting events, activities and international challenges.