With the season of giving in mind, and with the rise of food costs and bills still more than 50% higher than in the winter of 2021-22, Emma Way profiles six charity appeals which look to brighten Christmas for children, older people and homeless individuals all across Wales. Every donation will have an impact.
NEWPORT’S CHRISTMAS CWTCH APPEAL
This Christmas fundraising appeal looks to raise for over 300 of Newport’s most vulnerable children and young people, in collaboration with Newport City Council’s Children’s Services. Donations to the appeal will be alongside contributions from local Newport businesses and organisations and will provide essential items and gifts for those who might otherwise go without, uniting the community to offer warmth and comfort. The appeal will provide young people with warm clothes such as socks, blankets and jumpers, hot water bottles, toys and games, books, gift vouchers, toiletries and foodie treats like selection boxes and biscuits.
Info: here
AWEN SANTA APPEAL
Support the Santa Appeal and bring seasonal cheer to Bridgend County Borough’s vulnerable children and young people. Awen Cultural Trust, a charitable organisation that has been working to improve people’s opportunities and the wellbeing of many, both inside and outside the town since 2015, collaborates with Bridgend County Borough Council’s Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate and Halo Leisure. They aim to raise funds for this heartfelt cause through public contributions, regardless of size, aids in acquiring, wrapping, and distributing, these gifts will go out to a range of individuals – from newborns to people aged 25 – who might otherwise wake up to nothing on Christmas morning.
Info: here
HELPING OUR HOMELESS WALES
Situated in Llanelwedd near Builth Wells, Helping Our Homeless Wales’ Community Hub opens its doors from Monday to Thursday to offer space, warm meals, facilities and more. Amidst the challenges of increasing financial hardship, the hub has become a vital support centre for many struggling from various factors. While providing hot meals, washing facilities, and a safe environment for kids, HOH also addresses unemployment and gaps in government support, distributing food and fundraising for holidays such as Christmas. They welcome donations of essentials and supermarket vouchers to make up hampers for those in need.
Info: helpingourhomelesswales.org
CRISIS SKYLIGHT
Volunteers with this branch of Crisis can help someone experiencing homelessness. Crisis works all year-round, ensuring everyone has a stable home and access to education. As a volunteer for the charity, your role will be crucial, especially during December: warmth, companionship, and services for those in need, packing Christmas hampers and delivering festive cheer across Swansea, Neath, and Port Talbot. You can also choose from a range of hours to multiple days, which usually take place in the Crisis Skylight in Swansea or other local venues.
Info: here
AGE CYMRU GIFT BOX APPEAL
The Age Cymru partnership invites you to contribute to making the festival season brighter for older individuals by filling a wrapped shoebox with gifts, including warm accessories, puzzles, sweets and chocolates. Teaming up with Age Connects Wales and Care & Repair Cymru, Age Cymru aims to reach out to more seniors across Wales than ever before. This includes vulnerable and isolated older people living in Cardiff, people using Care & Repair Cymru services and those living in care homes across Wales, as well as older people who might benefit from receiving a friendship call from Age Cymru’s Friend In Need telephone befriending service.
Info: here
NORTH WALES SUPERKIDS TOY BOX APPEAL
North Wales Superkids addresses social security issues, the cost of living crisis and more through their Christmas Toy Box Appeal. Children and young people, whose parents are struggling through no fault of their own, will benefit as well as care leavers aged 18 to 25 with no family network to rely on. Superkids take money donations through their website, and have local drop-off points for gift donations; during 2017, the charity gave out no less than 1476 toy sacks and will be hoping to build on that once again this year.
Info: here
words EMMA WAY