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Charity

PATCH Celebrates 15 Years of Helping People in Pembrokeshire

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SATURDAY, 3rd June 2013, marks the 15th anniversary of PATCH, a remarkable milestone in the organization’s journey of aiding individuals in overcoming hardship. Tracy Olin, the general manager, established PATCH with humble beginnings, and it has since flourished into a well-established institution. In 2022 alone, over 30,000 food parcels were distributed, illustrating the tremendous impact of their efforts. However, this year has posed new challenges, with a surge of approximately 30% in the demand for food parcels, and donations failing to meet the levels of the previous year. Dave Golding, the acting general manager, emphasizes the constant battle to ensure an adequate food supply.

The majority of the food distributed by PATCH is sourced from public donations. Individuals can either deliver contributions directly to our headquarters on Robert Street or place them in conveniently located collection baskets at local supermarkets. In addition to public support, PATCH also receives significant assistance from prominent local businesses, including Valero, Ascona, Milford Haven Port Authority, and various others, for which we are immensely grateful. Moreover, ordinary members of the public, who have experienced firsthand the challenges of putting food on the table, offer vital support. Previously, Pembrokeshire County Council has also provided financial aid.

Despite purchasing large quantities of food using financial grants, the demand for sustenance remains insatiable. This year, we are compelled to purchase food to maintain the support we provide, highlighting the urgency of our cause.

In addition to year-round food parcel distribution, PATCH organizes an annual Toy Appeal during the Christmas season. Once again, the success of this initiative hinges on the generosity of the public and local businesses, including Valero, Milford Haven Port Authority, Stena, and several supermarkets. The Toy Appeal aims to provide each referred child with at least five age-appropriate toys, along with the necessary wrapping paper, tags, and sellotape, all kindly delivered by our partner organization, FRAME. We are immensely grateful for their invaluable assistance, as well as the support of every individual who stands by our cause.

During the pandemic, PATCH was compelled to close all its outreach posts and shifted its focus to delivering food parcels with the aid of a dedicated team of volunteer drivers. While this approach was necessary at the time, it has become evident that it is not financially sustainable. Consequently, PATCH has recently made the decision to reopen its outreach posts, making it more convenient for referring agents and service users to collect food parcels. Currently, we have outreach Food Banks situated in “The Old Chapel” on Lower Frog Street, Tenby (open Tuesday to Saturday), and at The VC Gallery in Pembroke Dock, located in the old St Mary’s School near the Fire Station in Pembroke Dock (open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm). Additionally, we have plans to open a Food Bank in “The Hive” on Goshawk Road, Haverfordwest, with the official date to be announced soon.

In addition to the Food Banks, we also operate a Charity Shop that opened its doors in September 2022. Once again, the success of this venture heavily relies on the generous contributions from the public. We are overwhelmed by the support we receive in the form of donated goods that we are able to sell, generating valuable income for the Food Bank.

Apart from relying on food and item donations for the shop, we are immensely grateful for the assistance of our volunteers. These dedicated individuals not only help prepare the food parcels but also contribute to the smooth operation of the shop. If you are reading this article and are able to spare a few hours to volunteer at one of our Food Banks or in the Shop (either on the shop floor or in the back room for sorting), please do not hesitate to contact us.

PATCH has come a long way since its inception, but the journey is far from over. As we celebrate 15 years of dedicated service to the community, we remain committed to our mission of supporting those in need. Together, with the collective efforts of Tracy Olin, Dave Golding, our partners, volunteers, and the kind-hearted members of the public, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing adversity.

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Charity

Bluestone announces exclusive prize for winners of the Child of Wales Awards

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AS ANTICIPATION builds for the upcoming Child of Wales Awards 2024, to be held at Swansea Arena on September 27, 2024, Bluestone National Park Resorts, the sponsor of the event’s Environmental Champion Award, has unveiled an extraordinary gesture to further elevate the event’s significance.

In a move aimed at celebrating the outstanding achievements of the children and young people nominated, Bluestone National Park Resorts has generously offered all winners from the awards’ 11 categories an unforgettable holiday experience for them and their families at their prestigious resort.

The Child of Wales Awards – an event dedicated to honouring the remarkable accomplishments of young individuals across Wales – is set to recognise extraordinary achievements in various categories, including bravery, community leadership, environmental stewardship, and more. Bluestone National Park Resorts’ commitment to supporting environmental conservation aligns perfectly with the spirit of the awards, making them an ideal partner for the Environmental Champion Award.

The announcement of Bluestone National Park Resorts’ generous prize offering adds a new level of excitement to the Child of Wales Awards 2024 and is expected to further inspire nominations from communities across Wales. Nominations for the awards are currently open, and individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving young individuals who have made a positive impact in their communities.

Bluestone National Park Resorts, known for its breathtaking scenery, family-friendly accommodations, and commitment to environmental sustainability, will provide the perfect backdrop for winners and their families to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories together. With a wide range of activities and amenities, including nature trails, adventure parks, and wellness facilities, Bluestone promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Rebecca Rigby, Director of Operations at Bluestone National Park Resorts, said: “This partnership with the Child of Wales Awards aligns closely with our values at Bluestone National Park Resorts. We are honoured to support the incredible young individuals being recognised at the awards and offer them and their families an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break at our resort as part of their prize. We look forward to welcoming the winners and creating unforgettable memories for them.”

Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, said: “We are thrilled to partner, once again, with Bluestone National Park Resorts for the Child of Wales Awards 2024. Their generosity in offering all winners and their families a holiday at their renowned resort is truly exceptional. This gesture not only adds an extra layer of excitement to the awards but also serves as a testament to Bluestone’s dedication to celebrating and supporting the achievements of young individuals.”

For more information about the Child of Wales Awards 2024 and to submit nominations, please visit https://www.nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org/nominate-now/

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Charity

Pembrokeshire County Show gala raises over £5,000 for charitable causes

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  • Rugby legend Jonathan Davies charms attendees at the Annual President’s Lunch

THE ANNUAL President’s Lunch unfolded in grand style on Sunday (Mar 17), raising over £5,000 for several cherished charities. The event, marked by the presence of Welsh rugby legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, captivated guests with engaging anecdotes from his illustrious career in sports.

Mr. Davies, who made a special journey to attend, was the guest of honour at this much-anticipated event. His compelling storytelling and warm engagement with the audience were the highlights of the afternoon, eliciting widespread appreciation and thanks from the attendees.

The gastronomic offerings, prepared by Cwm Gwaun Catering, were of exceptional quality, living up to the high expectations set by previous events. Guests were treated to a variety of delectable dishes, showcasing the culinary team’s expertise and commitment to excellence. In tandem, the Absolute Event Bars team ensured that the revelry was well-accompanied by a selection of fine beverages, maintaining a high spirit of conviviality throughout the occasion.

A pivotal element of the day’s agenda was the popular auction and raffle, which, along with generous donations from supporters, culminated in a substantial fund exceeding £5,000. The proceeds are earmarked for the President’s chosen charities: Tir Dewi, The DPJ Foundation, and RABI, all of which are dedicated to supporting communities within the agricultural sector.

The success of the event owes much to the relentless efforts of the President, Mr. Brian Jones, and the President’s Lady, Mrs. Helen Jones, alongside their team of dedicated helpers. Their commitment to celebrating the essence of Pembrokeshire farming and its robust community spirit was evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the event.

The generosity and enthusiasm of the bidders, supporters, and attendees were highlighted as key to achieving the fundraising goal, underscoring the community’s unwavering support for the invaluable work of the chosen charities.

The Pembrokeshire County Show’s President’s Lunch has once again proven to be a beacon of charitable giving and community cohesion, setting a commendable example of how collective efforts can yield significant contributions to worthwhile causes.

Diolch was the resonating message of the day, echoing the profound appreciation for every contribution made towards the success of this remarkable event.

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Charity

Wales’ winter of woe: Daily deaths due to cold homes

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A RECENT shocking report by Greenpeace UK has unveiled a grim statistic: three lives are lost daily in Wales to the bitter cold of inadequately insulated homes. This harrowing figure comes in the wake of the Conservative government’s drastic reductions in home insulation funding, a decision made in 2013 that has since cast a long shadow over the nation’s public health and energy efficiency.

The report, which scrutinizes official data, points to an alarming toll of over 4,000 excess winter deaths in the last decade attributed to cold, damp living conditions. This spike in mortality coincides with former Prime Minister David Cameron’s contentious move to “cut the green crap,” effectively gutting subsidies for loft and wall insulation. The aftermath was immediate and severe, with government-backed installations plummeting from 2.3 million in 2012 to a mere 300,000 in 2013 across the UK, marking a nearly 90% decrease.

Despite the clear and present danger of cold homes, successive Conservative administrations have yet to adequately address the funding shortfall for energy efficiency measures. Last year’s figures are particularly damning, with only 160,000 installations taking place, a far cry from the needed numbers to combat this silent crisis.

In a dramatic display of protest and remembrance, Greenpeace activists transformed Victoria Tower Gardens, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, into a symbolic cemetery. Hundreds of headstones, crafted from insulation boards, bore the names of the 70,463 individuals who have succumbed to cold-related deaths since 2013. Accompanying this poignant memorial was an eight-meter-long funeral wreath, starkly declaring, “Cold Homes Cost Lives.”

Paul Morozzo, a leading voice in Greenpeace UK’s campaign against fuel poverty, condemned the government’s inertia, highlighting the dire consequences of failing to upgrade the nation’s cold, damp, and draughty housing stock. The call to action is clear: an annual investment of at least £6 billion is imperative to end this national disgrace and stem the tide of avoidable deaths.

The UK’s housing, notorious for its lack of energy efficiency, stands as the least effective in Western Europe, exacerbating the plight of low-income families and contributing significantly to fuel poverty. Current estimates suggest 3.17 million UK households are ensnared in this predicament, with poorly insulated homes also imposing a staggering £850 million yearly burden on the NHS in England alone.

The environmental implications are equally dire, with residential housing accounting for approximately 14% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. A comprehensive national retrofit insulation scheme emerges as a crucial strategy in the battle against the climate crisis and the quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The protest also saw participation from representatives of Fuel Poverty Action, echoing the urgent need for government intervention to lower energy bills and combat fuel poverty through significant funding for home insulation.

In a twist of political irony, the Labour Party, once vocal in its commitment to investing the £6 billion annually advocated by Greenpeace, has recently dialed back its insulation funding promises by over 70%. Greenpeace now demands a reinstatement of these commitments in Labour’s forthcoming election manifesto, underscoring the critical role of political will in addressing this multifaceted crisis.

As the insulation boards from today’s protest find a second life in retrofitting an uninsulated home, the message is clear: the cost of inaction is measured in human lives. The time for decisive action and comprehensive policy overhaul is now, lest the cold homes crisis continues to claim its silent victims.

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