The University of Westminster partnered with the Baker Street Quarter to run a Christmas food drive across its campuses to collect donations for the Portman Early Childhood Centre, a charity nursery serving children and families in the fifth most deprived ward in the country.
Donations were accepted at the University’s Marylebone Campus and Wells Street site and received a wide variety of non-perishable food items, including tinned goods, dry staples, snacks, sweet treats, sauces, spreads and hot drink essentials. Eight full bags were donated on 1 December to support low-income families and vulnerable individuals during the Christmas period.
Portman Early Childhood Centre serves children aged two to four and their wider families. Extended family services include support for improved parenting techniques, adult education and learning and victim support.
The Baker Street Quarter Partnership is a Business Improvement District (BID), funded and directed by local businesses for the benefit of the broader community of the Baker Street and Marylebone area. Formed in 2013, they deliver a wide range of services and projects that focus on enhancing and managing the area for everyone working within it.
Last year, a similar food drive was organised, with donations going to Penfold Elderly Community Hub, a community centre within Kensington and Chelsea Social Council.
Caption: Penfold Elderly Community Hub
Dularee Goonetilleke, Sustainability Coordinator in the Sustainability Team at the University, said: “I am so grateful to all our colleagues who donated to our festive food drive in November. Their generous contributions have helped to support our local community and create a positive impact. It was lovely to see our Westminster community come together to make a difference.”
This initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2: Zero Hunger, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the University of Westminster’s goals towards a more sustainable future from its Sustainable Development Goals report 2024-2025.
Learn about how to get involved with the Baker Street Quarter Partnership.
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