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College’s Christmas extravaganza raises hundreds for incredible local causes

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  • News date: Dec '24
  • News author: Luke Whalen
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May be an image of 8 people, christmas tree and gingerbread biscuit

A COMMUNITY college was transformed into a festive wonderland complete with imaginative decorations and playful themes as staff and students raised hundreds of pounds for two good causes.

Gremlins lurked in office corners and even the Grinch made an appearance as Lakes College held its annual Lakes Christmas fundraiser for charities No Rainbows Without Rain and the Henderson Suite at West Cumberland Hospital.

Catering students manned stalls selling freshly-baked goods, chutneys, jams and fudges, while engineering apprentices sold handcrafted decorations as the college raised £450.

Chris Nattress, principal at Lakes College, said: “Well done to everyone who threw themselves into the festivities – varied offices and colleagues were barely recognisable.

“The thought, time and effort that went into making the day a brilliant event was hugely impressive.

“The event was tremendous fun and all with hundreds of pounds raised for two wonderful charities so well done everyone supporting a great feelgood day.”

The day was packed with friendly competition and two winners were crowned in the college’s festive challenges.

The best decorated office award went to the college’s sales team, where their creativity and immersive elf workshop wowed the judges, while the best dressed team went to the cross-college admin department, who had cinema-themed outfits related to festive favourites including Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Die Hard.

Helen Graham, central administration manager and organiser of Lakes Christmas, said: “Lakes Christmas has been going on since 2016 and has improved every single year. This will be a hard one to beat!

“The creativity, thought and effort from all teams were incredible. Everyone who participated is a winner, helping us raise £450 for No Rainbows Without Rain and The Henderson Suite.

“Thank you to everyone who took part; you really did put smiles on a lot of staff and student faces and truly demonstrated that we are one college.”