Staff Festival's fantastic fundraising figure

Staff Festival organisers are delighted to announce the fantastic fundraising figure for this year’s chosen charity.

SNAPS Community Fundraising Manager, Jenny Sellers, manning the charity's Staff Festival stall

SNAPS Community Fundraising Manager, Jenny Sellers, manning the charity's Staff Festival stall. July 2019

Special Needs and Parent Support (SNAPS) will benefit to the tune of £2,422.28, which was collected during the hugely successful celebrations staged on campus last month.

Jenny Sellers, SNAPS Community Fundraising Manager, said: “The amount raised at the Staff Festival is amazing and a real testament to the hard work put in by everyone who organised this fantastic event.

“It was great to be a part of the day and to find out that this is the second highest amount ever raised from the Festival. The funds can help us provide about 61 physiotherapy sessions for children with additional needs. This will make a huge difference to our small charity. Thank you so much!”

Cash was collected from the hugely popular tombola stall, donations made at the attractions and stall holders’ fees. Santander also matched the tombola figure.

Staff Festival project manager, Jo Westerman, helps man the tombola stall. July 2019Staff Festival project manager, Jo Westerman, helping on the tombola stall, proceeds from which went to this year’s chosen charity

Jo Westerman, LOGIK Centre Manager and Festival project manager, said: “We wish to thank all colleagues who attended the Staff Festival and donated generously to help us raise the second highest amount for SNAPS, our chosen charity for 2019.

“We also wish to thank all the companies and contractors that work with the University, who generously donated tombola prizes, helping us to raise more than £500 from the stall this year.”

Every penny collected will be a big boost for this really worthy cause, which provides leisure support services for children with special needs of all kinds, and their families. Its aim is to support the entire family, by enabling the child – along with siblings, parents and other carers – to participate in a shared experience of physical activity, fun and conversation in relaxed surroundings, supported by professional and dedicated staff.

Operating out of two sites – Penny Field School in Meanwood and Broomfield School in Broom Place – the charity offers physiotherapist-led hydrotherapy and rebound sessions (exercise therapy using trampolines), along with swimming, arts and crafts, soft toy play and a range of other fun activities, such as dance, sign and sing, boccia, storytelling and music therapy.

Read the moving stories of colleagues whose children have received incredible care and support from SNAPS.

Ralph Middlemiss and Eleena Perry (second and third from left), who benefit from services provided by SNAPS, are pictured enjoying the Staff Festival with their respective big brothers, George (far left), and Jenson (far right). July 2019Ralph Middlemiss and Eleena Perry (second and third from left), who benefit from services provided by SNAPS, are pictured enjoying the Staff Festival with their respective big brothers, George (far left), and Jenson (far right) 

Staff Festival organisers hailed this year’s event the “best ever”.

Thousands of colleagues, together with their friends and family, flocked to campus on Friday 28 June to enjoy a packed programme of hugely entertaining activities and attractions, including food and drink, workshops, fairground rides, stalls and live music for all ages.

Bathed in glorious summer sunshine, people were able to soak up the carnival atmosphere in and around the University Precinct.

Early feedback indicates the event was a big success, but don’t forget to take part in the Staff Festival 2019 survey. Let the organising committee know what you thought about the activities staged on the day, as well as any ideas you have to improve the Festival, as your comments will help shape future events. The closing date is Friday 12 July.

Jo added: “This year’s Festival was all about staff enjoying time spent with colleagues, family and friends, and it was great to see so many of you all doing just that. The relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere, with a sea of smiling faces, was a real tonic for us all.

“It was hard work organising the Festival, but it was a real pleasure seeing everyone enjoying the day, which was filled with activities and attractions.”

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