Charity

Barnardo’s Cymru provides a solution for those unsuitable Christmas gifts

Published

4 months ago

December 29, 2023

WHETHER we’ve been naughty or nice, Santa doesn’t always get it right with the presents he leaves under the tree, but Barnardo’s will be happy to take any unwanted gifts off your hands.

The children’s charity is asking people to drop off their unsuitable gifts at one of their fundraising shops after Christmas so they can be sold to fund the charity’s work with families in need of support.

The charity has shops across Wales which raise money for a wide range of services helping children with disabilities and those who have suffered abuse or need help with poor mental health.

The charity also supports young people at risk of exploitation as well as care leavers and children who have caring responsibilities for parents, grandparents or siblings. Much of its work is supporting those who are struggling with the challenges of family life.

This year’s appeal for donations is even more urgent as families struggle to cope with the continuing cost of living crisis. The charity has supported families across Wales with food and heating, clothing, beds and other essentials. A Barnardo’s survey recently revealed that 11% of children in the UK don’t have a proper bed.

Sharon Goswami, head of retail operations at Barnardo’s, said: “I think we can all safely say we’ve received a gift at Christmas that’s not suitable or we quite simply don’t want. We can turn that into a positive.

“By donating any unsuitable Christmas presents to our shops you will not only be repurposing an item you may not have used, but also helping families in Wales who are struggling most.

“The money we raise through Barnardo’s stores and our online shop not only supports our services but allows us to provide food parcels or supermarket vouchers to those who desperately need them as well as energy vouchers to heat families’ homes over the winter months.

“Every year Barnardo’s works to turn around the lives of more than 373,000 children, young people and their families through 811 projects across the UK, 61 of them in Wales. Every penny raised plays a vital part in ensuring we continue to support these children,” added Ms Goswami.

Shoppers can buy quality clothes, household goods, books, toys as well as accessories and collectibles at Barnardo’s shops.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

3 days ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.

Charity

New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat rescues stranded 26ft yacht

Published

4 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW QUAY RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on service at 08:32 this morning to assist a 26ft yacht in difficulty a quarter of a mile from New Quay harbour.

Launching with four volunteer crew members, the D-class lifeboat, the Will Morgan, quickly located the vessel, with one person on board.

Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI’s helm said, “The yacht had lost all means of propulsion, both sail and engine, and was unable to recover a fouled anchor.

“Having assessed the situation we decided that the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow to New Quay harbour. We placed two members of our crew on board, disconnected the anchor chain and began the tow.

“Having safely berthed the yacht alongside the harbour wall, we returned to station just after 09:30.”

Charity

New Quay RNLI stalwart volunteer receives award from High Sheriff of Dyfed

Published

5 days ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RECENTLY, a long-standing member of New Quay RNLI, Tim Richards received an award from the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Medwin Hughes for valuable services to the community.

The High Sheriff Awards are a mark of distinction and recognition given to volunteers, groups and public servants based in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire who are making a significant contribution to society through enhancing safety and cohesion in our communities.

Stalwart volunteer of New Quay RNLI from shore crew to fundraising, Tim has been part of the crew for over 16 years and has held many positions from shore crew to Chair of New Quay RNLI Fundraising Group including working overseas but always returning to New Quay RNLI.

Tim, aged 74, said, “I was truly honoured to receive my services to the community award from The High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Hughes. I’ve been part of New Quay RNLI for over 16 years and encourage anyone to take part. It’s a great institution to be involved with. I’ve always had strong connections to the sea being a keen kayaker and boatman and I’ll continue to support New Quay RNLI as being a volunteer and saving lives at sea is deeply rooted in me.”

Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager added, “We would also like to congratulate Tim for his well-deserved award and thank him for all his hard work over the years with the New Quay RNLI crew and with the New Quay RNLI fundraising group. It’s volunteers like Tim who are an integral part of the organisation and ensure the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea.”