College Community Steps Up with Santa Walk

The Santa Walk, held across all three of our College campuses, brought a festive atmosphere to our daily mile routes as staff and students put on their Christmas jumpers, hats, and tinsel.

More than 400 staff and students participated in the Santa Walk, raising more than £460 for this important campaign.

Sarah Ramminger, Head of Curriculum & Quality said: “Our department is passionate about making a difference to the entire college community. To be able to provide our students with the chance to organise and facilitate these events across all campuses, working in collaboration with other departments has no doubt enriched their college experience and encouraged them to work together and help others”

The funds raised will go directly to support Thrive with D&A, an initiative launched in 2022 to ensure students, staff, and their families have access to essential support during challenging times. Through projects like free daily soup, Thrive Shops stocked with clothing and household items, and community-building activities such as free haircuts and festive movie screenings, Thrive addresses the needs of the college community.

Organised by our HNC Sports & Fitness students and supported by our Uniformed Services students, the event not only raised funds but also allowed our students to use their skills in event management.  From planning and marshalling to cheering on participants, they demonstrated teamwork and dedication.  

One of our students said: “Taking part in the Santa Walk was a really fun way to give back to Thrive, which has helped so many of us. It has been good to see our hard work come together and see everyone out in the Christmas jumpers.”

The success of the Santa Walk was made possible by the support of many internal and external contributors. Special thanks go to our Hospitality & Professional Cookery students and staff who provided hot drinks and sweet treats to warm up staff and students who took part on a cold but sunny day. Our Catering, Estates and Marketing Teams also supported the organisation and running of the event and our generous external sponsors such as Jimmy Marr, The Taybridge Bar, DCA, Ryze, Innoflate, Dundee FC, Gardyne Gym, and Fit 4 Purpose.

One staff member said: “I really enjoyed the event and was very well organised and the hot drinks and cakes were delicious”

Thrive with D&A has already had a significant impact, serving more than 82,300 free bowls of soup in the last year, distributing over 400 donated coats and blankets through the Cosy Coat Appeal, and fostering a sense of community across all campuses. Fundraisers like the Santa Walk reflect the college’s commitment to making a difference.

Here is what one of our students had to say about the Thrive with D&A campaign: “I have loved the free food that has been available on Campus, in particular, the soup and roll, as a single, lone parent for a one-year-old, I can really struggle financially and knowing that there is warm soup available when I'm struggling takes a stress away that I don't need to have.”

The Santa Walk is more than an event, it is a reminder of what we can achieve when a community comes together with a shared purpose. By supporting Thrive, the Dundee & Angus College community continues to break down barriers and build futures.