College students support armed service personnel overseas

Students studying towards their Public Service qualifications are making preparations to support armed services personnel working overseas.

Following successful projects last year students will once again be organising a range of activities supporting the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and Parcels for Troops. These three charities were chosen to make support as accessible as possible and give everyone a chance to get involved.

In 2010 students in Engineering manufactured two ‘Poppy Men’ which were on display in Carlisle College and The Lanes Shopping Centre. Support from students and the general public was enormous, and as a result the College is planning to host activities once again this year.

Public Services course tutor Kerry Rutherford said:
“Having served overseas in the armed forces, I know how much activities like this mean to our personnel overseas. Last year I was approached by two of our students to ask if we could do something to support the cause. Of course I agreed and discussed it with various members of staff across the College.”
   “I served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and I am proud to have been able to do so. It was hard being away from loved ones. Resources are low, and it is very difficult to get hold of the things we take for granted everyday. I was lucky that my family were able to send over some basic supplied like toiletries, sweets and the odd Pot Noodle. After months on Ration Packs, a Pot Noodle can be like having a gourmet meal.”
   “Not everyone I served with was so lucky which is why this appeal is so important. When I was away I would call it a ‘smile and hug in a box’. It was something to look forward to, and showed the thoughts and kindness of everyone who sent something to us.”

The College will once again be opening its doors to the general public to make donations of support which can include items such as clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste, disposable razors, toiletries, dried foods including Pot Noodles and Marmite, biscuits but no chocolate (as it can melt in transit).

The College will act as a collection point for donations which will be on display in the Learning Resource Centre at Victoria Place. The College will make arrangements to have everything delivered to the front line in time for Christmas. Donations must be received no later than 11 November.

The ‘Poppy Man’ will go on display in the new College Atrium and a collection held for the Royal British Legion. They provide financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants.

Anna Magri, College Learning Resource Assistant said:
“We are always looking for new ways to engage our students in projects that benefit the wider community. The College plays a big part in the community in Carlisle and North Cumbria. The idea came about when we looked at how we could engage our Pre Uniformed Services students. We are opening the door to anyone who would like to support these causes, and I hope that as many people as possible visit the College to make a donation.”

The project also provides the opportunity for those interested in studying at Carlisle College to see the facilities on offer.

Letters of thanks were received by the College last year, one of which read:
“My name is Fosiliar Gemmell and I would like to thank you for the parcel you sent. We are always grateful  for the boxes that are sent to us. It is great for morale when you come in from patrol in which you get shot at about 5 times, it is great to find a box on your bed. Thank you very much.”