In the true spirit of the season, Academia and Wycombe Wanderers Football Club recently came together to create moments of joy and warmth in the lives of young patients and their families across six local Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust hospitals and local food banks. On a heart-warming Monday afternoon, the teams distributed over 1,000 toys, turning a regular day into a memorable celebration.

The Power of Giving Back:

At Academia, we believe in the power of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the profound impact it can have on the community. The recent toy donation initiative reflects our commitment to making a positive difference, not only during the festive season but throughout the entire year. It’s a testament to the belief that small acts of kindness can bring about significant change.

Behind the Scenes: The Partnership with Wycombe Wanderers:

A crucial element of this initiative is our collaboration with Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to community welfare and highlights how businesses and sports organisations can unite for a common cause. The partnership drives a wide-range of charitable initiatives each year.

This year, our final leg of the journey saw us visit six local Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust hospitals and local food banks, donating more than 1,000 gifts to patients.

Academia’s very own Andrew Harman, who played for Wycombe Wanderers in the 1980s, brought a personal touch to this charitable endeavour.

Andrew comments “It’s always a pleasure for us to visit the hospitals and deliver presents for children and their families who are maybe going to miss out on some of the enjoyment that Christmas brings by being in and out of hospital over the festive period”.  

The impact of the initiative extended beyond the toy donation. Midfielder Jasper Patterden and striker Tjas De Barr of Wycombe Wanderers generously donated match tickets to patients and staff, adding an extra layer of joy to the campaign. These additional acts of generosity showcase the diverse ways in which communities can come together to make a difference.

Jasper Pattenden added: “Tjay and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and loved spending time with the kids. It’s my first time visiting the hospital and I think it’s an incredible gesture from Andrew and Academia to donate all these toys and games each year.

Expressing Gratitude: Thanking our Heroes:

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible staff at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust hospitals and all our local food banks. Their year-round dedication is nothing short of inspiring and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and support their ongoing efforts. It is their unwavering commitment that makes initiatives like this possible.

Andrew summarises “It’s a small token of our consideration for the challenges they are going through and each year we want to do something a little bit special to bring a smile to their faces. He concludes “We also feel it’s important to thank the staff who do a wonderful job caring for their patients and their families, not just over Christmas but all year round.”