Charities across Wales benefit from third annual festive toy appeal as colleagues support vulnerable children and families
WELSH Water colleagues have come together for the third year running to support families across Wales by donating hundreds of Christmas presents to charities working with children and those facing hardship.
Embracing the festive spirit, staff donated a wide range of toys and gifts, including board games, baby toys and cuddly bears, helping to ensure that children across Wales had something special to open on Christmas Day. Donations of children’s clothing and shoes were also collected as part of the appeal.
The gifts were distributed to a number of charities supporting vulnerable families, including Aberconwy Domestic Abuse Services in Llandudno Junction, which provides refuge and support for people fleeing domestic abuse across North Wales.
Tŷ Gobaith Hospice also benefited from the appeal. The hospice offers specialist care and support to babies, children and young people with life-threatening conditions, as well as their families.
Charity Make a Smile, which operates in Swansea, Cardiff and other locations, received donations to support its work bringing comfort and happiness to children in hospital through toy deliveries and character visits to paediatric wards.
Closer to home, Jig-So Children’s Centre in Cardigan was among the organisations supported. The charity provides a safe and welcoming environment for children, parents and carers. The ToyBox Project in Caerphilly, which collects new and pre-loved toys for families and organisations across South Wales, was also included.
Andy Everley, Fundraising Manager at Tŷ Gobaith, said: “We are thrilled that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water chose to support us for their Toy Appeal – especially at this time of year when we work hard to make Christmas special for the families we support. A huge thank you to everyone who took part.”
Esther Purnell, Events Manager and Trustee at Make a Smile, said the donations helped spread festive cheer at Morriston Hospital. “Dŵr Cymru’s kindness allowed us to bring comfort and happiness to families who need it most, and we are truly thankful for their support this Christmas.”
Julie Williams, Senior Child and Family Support Worker at Jig-So Children’s Centre, said the donations made a real difference locally. “Thanks to Welsh Water’s generosity, we were able to put together six family gift packs, bringing joy to 17 children this Christmas. The parents were extremely grateful for the extra support.”
Claire Roberts, Head of Community Engagement at Welsh Water, said the appeal reflects the company’s not-for-profit ethos. “This is the third year our colleagues have come together to support families at this special time of year. We are proud to support our communities and help ensure children can enjoy Christmas.”
In addition to the toy appeal, Welsh Water staff also volunteered at a charity gift-wrapping service at St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff, raising funds for City Hospice and Sight Life Wales.
Colleagues will also be supporting the Everyone Deserves a Christmas campaign by delivering Christmas hampers to people in need across communities in South Wales.
