Tourism and Events Management students at Northumbria
University have put their skills to great use to deliver a special event for
Newcastle West End Foodbank in recognition and celebration of its team of volunteers.
The future leaders of the tourism and event industry were
tasked by the city’s West End Foodbank to design and deliver a memorable
evening to show appreciation to over 60 volunteers who give up their time to help
provide a regular and consistent service for people in need.
Newcastle West End Foodbank is the largest in the UK,
feeding more than 40,000 people last year and relying solely on donations.
The Tourism and Events Management students planned and
hosted the event for 60 guests in partnership with the Newcastle Gateshead
Marriott Hotel MetroCentre, as part of their degree course.
They delivered the event with support from the Marriott
Hotel’s Executive Head Chef Chris Wells, coordinated the catering, hosted the
arrival drinks reception, looked after guests and arranged the entertainment by ex-Emmerdale actor Dale Meeks. Each volunteer also received
a personal certificate of appreciation.
John McCorry, Chief Executive at Newcastle West End
Foodbank, said: “Our volunteers were delighted that the
students and Marriott Hotel organised such a wonderful evening, including a
beautiful buffet, awards and entertainment. The volunteers were overwhelmed by the quality of the
event and greatly impressed by how seamless the services provided by the
students have been. In my opinion, the whole experience made for a fantastic
evening for the foodbank volunteers and showcased the considerable skills and
professionalism of the students.
“It was excellent; we can’t thank Kate and the students
enough for their kindness and for selecting us to be part of this project. I wish them all every success in their
studies and careers.”
The Northumbria students also held several fundraisers
within the University to raise awareness and a cash donation for the foodbank,
generating more than £150.
Describing his experience, student James Landless, said:
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for me to work on a real event. I was
able to get involved with a large hotel group and work as a team to deliver a
successful night which left me with a great feeling. The volunteers at the foodbank
were amazing to cater for, with everyone having a really great time and very
thankful for all the effort and hard work we put in. It was a real experience
that I’ll never forget!”
Kate Harland, Northumbria University Graduate Tutor, said: “Having the opportunity to work with an
external client on su h a worthwhile project as this has huge benefits for the students. It provides the important link between theory and
practice which enriches their learning experience. The students showed great commitment to the event by fully
immersing themselves in the project, working alongside the client to a specific
event brief. They really went above and beyond the requirements of the
brief to provide such a brilliant event.
“It was also an absolute pleasure to work alongside the West End
Foodbank to celebrate and appreciate the volunteers that make sure the facility
is available to the Newcastle community. Not only has it provided a memorable
experience for the volunteers who work tirelessly day after day, it has also
given our students valuable experience of working on a live event.”
Newcastle West End Foodbank opened in March 2013. It offers
emergency food assistance to people in food crisis and works in partnership
with specialist agencies across Newcastle to help people overcome the often
complex underlying problems that have led to them needing the foodbank, such as
household debt, unemployment, risk of homelessness, addiction and not claiming
full benefit entitlements.
Picture courtesy of Lee Gibbins
Photography
