Posted on: Monday 14 December 2020
Gifts for Christmas will be handed out to 237 children and young people in Torfaen thanks to the huge success of this year’s Torfaen Santa Appeal.
This is the 15th year Torfaen council has run the appeal, which helps young people in Torfaen who are experiencing poverty or may not have contact with their families.
In addition, families and young people that have been identified as being in financial hardship will also receive Christmas hampers, after a number of generous food and gift donations have poured in through local community champions, organisations and businesses.
Local ladies Louise Bowen, who works at Woodlands Community Primary School and Elaine Evans, who has supported the Torfaen Santa Appeal since its inception, have been instrumental within their local communities, having purchased and sourced over 350 toys between them.
Louise said, “What started off as buying just a few presents has now escalated into preparing parcels for nearly 200 children.
I have received support from family, friends and colleagues in work and have so much pleasure in doing it that I would happily do it all year round.”
School children and staff from Woodlands Primary School, Cwmbran High School, Rougemont School and St Albans Roman Catholic High School have been involved this year, with each school donating between 30 -100 gifts to children who may otherwise not receive presents this Christmas.
Organisations and business that have contributed to this Torfaen Santa Appeal include:
- Melin Homes
- Fike Safety Technology
- Dragon Taxis
- Unify Brand Partnerships
- SSE
- IG Lintels
- CCS
- Meritor
- One to One Mortgage Solutions Ltd
- Community Care Service
- Panteg Cricket Club
- Gwent Police
- Costar
Jack Price, General Manager for Dragon Taxis Cwmbran, visited one of the dedicated drop off points in the borough to present the items to Torfaen Councillor Fiona Cross, representing Torfaen Santa Appeal.
Jack said: “Our driver-partners work in the heart of their communities and often hear first-hand the difficulties people face. After a particularly challenging year, we wanted to give something back to those in need in our local area. We hope this donation will bring some Christmas cheer to young people in Torfaen.”
After such a hard year for many, it is hoped that the Santa Appeal will bring some joy and Christmas cheer to children and families across the borough.
Torfaen Council would like to thank residents, community organisations and businesses for their overwhelming support this year.
Executive Member for Children, Families & Communities, Councillor Fiona Cross said,
“Our communities and businesses have been so generous this year and gone out of their way to support this year’s appeal.
Christmas is a challenging time for those with very little and during a pandemic even more difficult. These gifts and hampers will no doubt put smiles on young faces. A huge thank you to all who have donated.”