Welsh Water staff have come together for the third year to donate presents to charities across Wales to help families enjoy the Christmas they deserve.
Colleagues embraced the Christmas spirit by donating hundreds of toys and gifts, ranging from board games and baby toys to cuddly bears.
The gifts were given to charities that support families that are less fortunate, working to ensure that every child has something special to open on Christmas Day. In addition to toys, donations of children’s clothing and shoes were also provided to the charities.
The charities supported by staff at Welsh Water are Aberconwy Domestic Abuse Services, based in Llandudno Junction and serving North Wales, provides refuge and support for those fleeing abuse.
Tŷ Gobaith Hospice in North Wales offers care for babies, children and young people who have life-threatening conditions and are not expected to live beyond 18 years of age.
Make a Smile, which operates in Swansea, Cardiff and other locations, brings joy to children in hospitals through a heartfelt initiative that provides comfort and happiness to children in paediatric wards.
Jig-So Children’s Centre, a charity in Cardigan, offers support and a safe play environment for children, parents and carers, while the ToyBox Project in Caerphilly collects new and preloved toys and gifts them to families and organisations in need across South Wales.
Ty Gobaith Fundraising Manager, Andy Everley 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 make every effort to make Christmas special for the families we support. A huge thank you to all the team who took part in the collection, your generosity is greatly appreciated.”
Events Manager Esther Purnell, on the Board of Trustees for Make a Smile, said: “Dŵr Cymru’s kindness allowed us to spread joy and festive cheer to children at Morriston Hospital through our Toybox Scheme and character visits. Their generosity has brought 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, said: “We would like to sincerely thank Welsh Water’s teams for the very kind and generous donations they dropped off last week.
“Because of their generosity, we have been able to put together six family gift packs, which will bring joy to 17 children this Christmas. The parents were extremely grateful and deeply appreciative to have these extra gifts for their children.
“Your support has truly made a difference, and we are so thankful for the positive impact you’ve helped create for our families this festive season.”
Claire Roberts, Head of Community Engagement at Welsh Water, said: “This is the third year our colleagues at Welsh Water have come together to support charities and families at this special time of year with our Christmas Toy Appeal. We are delighted to support families who may welcome some support this year, to ensure they have a special gift to open, and to enjoy Christmas.
“Our teams are proud of the not-for-profit ethos of Welsh Water and are always looking for ways to bring benefits to our communities. It’s been great to see everyone come together and show their kindness and generosity. A huge thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful initiative.”
In addition to the Toy Appeal, Welsh Water colleagues also supported a charity gift-wrapping service at St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff, partnering with City Hospice and Sight Life Wales to raise money for two meaningful local causes.
Colleagues will also be volunteering with the Everyone Deserves a Christmas campaign, delivering Christmas hampers to those in need of extra support in communities across South Wales.