Staff at the not-for-profit water company Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water have once again demonstrated the spirit of the season, coming together for the third year running to deliver festive joy to families across Wales.
Generosity Flows Across the Nation
Colleagues from across the company embraced the Christmas spirit by donating hundreds of toys and gifts, ranging from board games and cuddly bears to essential children's clothing and shoes. This annual Christmas Toy Appeal is specifically designed to help charities ensure that every child has something special to open on Christmas Day.
The collected items were distributed to a network of charities supporting families in challenging circumstances. The beneficiaries this year included:
- Aberconwy Domestic Abuse Services in Llandudno Junction, which provides refuge and support in North Wales.
- Ty Gobaith Hospice in North Wales, offering care for babies, children and young people with life-threatening conditions.
- Make a Smile, operating in Swansea and Cardiff, which brings joy to children in paediatric hospital wards.
- Jig-So Children’s Centre in Cardigan, a charity offering a safe play environment and support.
- The ToyBox Project in Caerphilly, which gifts new and preloved toys to families across South Wales.
Heartfelt Thanks from Charities
The donations were met with profound gratitude from the supported organisations. Andy Everley, Ty Gobaith fundraising manager, expressed his delight, stating the support was especially welcome as the hospice makes every effort to create a special Christmas for the families it serves.
Esther Purnell, Events Manager for Make a Smile, highlighted how Welsh Water's kindness allowed them to spread festive cheer through their Toybox Scheme and character visits at Morriston Hospital, bringing comfort to families who need it most.
From Jig-So Children’s Centre, Julie Williams, senior child and family support worker, reported that the donations enabled them to create six family gift packs for 17 children, with parents being "extremely grateful and deeply appreciative".
A Company-Wide Commitment to Community
Claire Roberts, Head of Community Engagement at Welsh Water, emphasised the pride teams take in the company's not-for-profit ethos and their constant search for ways to benefit communities. She noted it was "great to see everyone come together and show their kindness and generosity" for the appeal.
Beyond the toy collection, Welsh Water's community efforts extended further this festive period. Colleagues also volunteered at a charity gift-wrapping service in Cardiff's St David’s Shopping Centre, partnering with City Hospice and Sight Life Wales to raise funds.
Additionally, staff will be volunteering with the Everyone Deserves a Christmas campaign, delivering essential hampers to those in need of extra support in communities across South Wales.
