Local businesses have helped to ‘light up’ Christmas for the Deaf Academy.
Thanks to their help, the Douglas Avenue education facility was able to install Christmas trees, bring a Santa’s Grotto and give each student a small gift.
A spokesman for the academy thanked Kings Garden Centre for loaning its grotto and Santa suit and also Tesco and the Exeter City Community Trust for donating gifts.
“We also wanted to say thank you to the businesses and individuals who donated trees to help us light up the Academy this year.” the spokesman added.
“This festive season is going to be different for many of us and the pandemic has proved challenging in many different ways.
“For the students at the Deaf Academy many found themselves at home during the lockdown, trying to continue their learning online and facing increased communication and isolation challenges.
“The Deaf Academy offers support to students and families but sometimes the holidays, especially Christmas, can be a difficult time.
“So, this year the Deaf Academy wanted to make this festive season extra special for students.”
One student at the Academy said, "I got to meet Santa. I told him about how good I’ve been and the presents I want.”
The Deaf Academy finally opened its doors in September following a multi-million-pound conversion of the former Rolle College site.
Sylvan Dewing, principal, said: “We’re very grateful to businesses who donated their time and resources to making a very festive Christmas for our deaf young students.
“It was wonderful to see so many excited children grinning from ear to ear as they indulged in the festive activities.”
Anyone who is able and would like to help the Deaf Academy this Christmas should donate to its festive appeal.
The academy is looking for 1,000 supporters to donate £3 to raise a target of £3,300 which will be match funded to pay for providing equipment for the students.
Text DEAFACADEMY to 70085 to donate £3. Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message. Or donate online by visiting http://bit.ly/DAFestiveAppeal
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