Students hand-make wooden reindeer to donate to local hospice

Students at Doncaster’s Communication Specialist College have put their woodworking skills to the test to create a five-and-a-half-foot reindeer for St John’s Hospice.

The successful ‘Trades Enterprise’ project was set up following a £20,000 grant from the People’s Postcode Lottery. Chris Monk and Chris Dykes have a wealth of experience between them and teach the students how to make a broad range of products, which are sold commercially, to raise funds to buy more materials to sell, to raise money and so on!

Chris Monk, Joinery and Carpentry Workshop tutor, said: “We would like to donate the reindeer to the hospice so that they can use it in their newly opened garden. If it makes just one of the patients smile I am happy that it has been worth it.”

Chris Monk, of Doncaster personally wanted donate to the hospice after his partner’s daughter who was staying at the hospice sadly passed away in February this year due to cancer. Chris also experienced losing his wife 17 years ago to cancer leaving behind two young children.

Chris Dykes, Multi-skills Tutor said: “Walking into our joinery and carpentry workshop is like entering a wood-filled wonderland. As well as it being a great experience for the students, the work counts towards their vocational qualifications. There is also an enterprise shop open two days per week which teaches students about marketing and advertising, customer service, taking payment and giving change which is all valuable experience for a retail career.”

Chris’ mother-in-law is also terminally ill with cancer. 

Lindsey Richards, St John’s Hospice Fundraiser, said: “The reindeer will now take pride of place in the hospice garden, we are very grateful for donations like this that help to brighten up the Hospice.”