Prof De la Rey described the campaign as part of the University’s community engagement responsibility to assist local communities who are in need. ‘As we experience the cold weather, let us think of others who cannot provide for themselves during the chilly winter. Let us make a difference in their lives through a small personal sacrifice by donating a blanket. It does not have to be a new blanket; even a previously used one is welcome.’

Students and staff members can submit their donations at the bins which will be placed at the Wannabee and Bookmark stores at the Hatfield, Groenkloof and Prinshof campuses. Donations can be made until 31 May.

Donations are not only limited to blankets. Toddlers’ and children’s clothing is also welcome.

Most of the charity organisations which benefited from last year’s campaign were children’s homes and orphanages based in and around Pretoria. The UP community is further encouraged to identify charity organisations that can benefit from the campaign.

Last year’s campaign raised 380 blankets, inclusive of clothing and cash donations, to the value of R60 000. Campaign co-ordinator, Jolene Heiberg from TuksFM, has appealed to the University community to raise the bar by donating over 500 blankets this year.

For further enquiries regarding donations, please contact Jolene Heiberg (Tel: 012 362 5316).

Prof De la Rey during the interview at TuksFM's Bang Bang Breakfast Show