University community makes Christmas wishes come true

Craft beads, cuddly toys, Matchbox cars and Christmas jumpers - during the Advent season, numerous festively wrapped toys and new items of clothing were collected in the post office at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H). University members were able to hand over 71 parcels to the Ruhrtal Engel e. V. association, making children's dreams come true. Participation in the association's Christmas campaign has been a tradition at the UW/H since 2018!

Well-preserved desks find a new home

Shortly before the turn of the year, desks at the university will also be replaced on a large scale and donated to the Ruhrtal Engel. "We are gradually equipping our employees' workstations with ergonomic, height-adjustable desks," explains UW/H Chancellor Jan Peter Nonnenkamp and continues, "but the discarded furniture is in perfect condition. We are therefore particularly pleased that the Ruhrtal Engel are passing them on to organisations and private households where they are urgently needed." Around 100 tables are now changing hands. The handover has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of January.

Trainees donate raffle proceeds

There was also a Christmas surprise for Christopherus-Haus e. V. in Witten. The UW/H trainees chose the organisation as the recipient of the proceeds from this year's Christmas tombola. The raffle is always a highlight of the staff Christmas party at the university, which is traditionally organised by the UW/H trainees. The organisation team was able to raise a record sum of 2,200 euros by selling raffle tickets.

"After taking a closer look at the work of Christopherus-Haus, we quickly agreed that we wanted to support this organisation! We find the organisation's commitment to people with disabilities very impressive," they say. Board member Gerrit Thüne-Valtin accepted the donation. "Thanks to the generous support, we have the opportunity to give our 'Kulturstall' a fresh - and urgently needed - coat of paint, to repair the lighting and to invest in a new sound system. All three items are on the 'wish list' and will ultimately benefit everyone who uses the numerous events in our Kulturstall," says Gerrit Thüne-Valtin.

"The commitment of our trainees is remarkable," praises Jan Peter Nonnenkamp and continues, "the helpfulness of our university community during the Christmas period makes us very happy and reflects our core value of social responsibility."

Christopherus-Haus, which is located in the direct neighbourhood of the university, supports people with assistance needs and offers pre-school and school education as well as work and residential opportunities in a variety of curative education and social therapy facilities.