For many students, winter is spent fighting the icy cold. Tuks FM, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria (UP), aims to bring warmth to these students by donating blankets, food, clothing and much-needed funds.

The 2017 Tuks FM Woolly Winter campaign is currently underway and members of the public, staff and students of the University, and Tuks FM listeners are encouraged to submit donations to the studio.

Tuks FM has teamed up with the Student Representative Council (SRC) to ensure that specific needs of the students are addressed during the winter months. Last year's campaign was an overwhelming success and on 2 June 2017, Tuks FM handed over a cheque for funds raised during 2016 to the Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Dr Willem Jorissen, and to Ms Priscilla Malaza of the Student Nutrition and Progress Programme (SNAPP).

Tuks FM Station Manager, Mr Patrick Maloyi, said that the station wants to focus on the needs of its own direct community. 'Once again, Tuks FM listeners have shown their charitable hearts and continued to make a difference in these difficult times,' he says.

Dr Jorissen echoes his sentiments: 'Generous gifts from donors like the Tuks FM listeners provide the financial and moral support needed to continue our mission. These funds will be used to purchase non-perishable food items and toiletries for students who do not have the financial capability of providing for themselves. There is no doubt that the need is huge; however, this support is helping us to make it possible for the students to carry on with their daily studies and focus on succeeding. We hope that you will continue to partner with us in our commitment to alleviate hunger,' he says.

This year's economic climate makes the need even greater and Tuks FM once again appeals for your assistance. As an incentive to local businesses and UP societies, Tuks FM offers free on-air exposure to those who deliver goods on the list to Tuks FM before 31 August 2017.

All goods may be dropped off at the Tuks FM studio weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00. For more information on Woolly Winter 2017, and for a list of items most needed by students, email [email protected].