MORE than 1,000 gifts will be distributed to families in the Vale of Glamorgan in time for Christmas.

Earlier in the year, the Vale of Glamorgan launched a fundraising and gift-giving initiative to ensure children and youngsters – who otherwise might go without – get a Christmas gift.

Santa’s Cause 2023 has been hailed a success, with hundreds of donations from the community meaning more than 1,000 gifts will be given (with the Council’s Flying Start and social services team distributing them to families across the county).

Council leader, Cllr Lis Burnett, said: “I am incredibly proud of our organisation and communities for supporting Santa’s Cause. I have been blown away by the generosity that has poured in from residents, businesses, and staff.

“The campaign has been a huge collaborative effort, and every donation, big or small, has played a role in making it a success.

“Unfortunately, Christmas can be a time of great stress and anxiety for many families. I hope that each gift bag will relieve that stress a little, and help a family have a merry Christmas this year.”

The council has thanked businesses and organisation which donated, including:

  • Wynter Isabelle Bridal;
  • Greenbrick Group Ltd;
  • Mari Jones;
  • Merricks Transport Ltd;
  • Ace Site Services (UK) Limited;
  • Tom Pritchard Contracting Limited;
  • Parent Pay;
  • New Directions;
  • Barry Town UFC;
  • A S Lloyd & Sons Ltd;
  • Hugh James;
  • Cowbridge United Free Church;
  • Newydd Housing;
  • Romaquip;
  • Penarth Lawn Tennis Club;
  • Gibson STS Ltd;
  • Zengenti;
  • The Works (Barry);
  • The Entertainer (Cardiff);
  • Aston Martin;
  • Creigiau Travel Ltd;
  • LLantwit Rotary Club;
  • Apollo Teaching;
  • South Wales Police;
  • Watts Truck and Van Centre;
  • Rhoose Lifeguards;
  • Ysgol Y Deri;
  • Sully Primary School.
  • Alongside support from local businesses, community groups and venues across the Vale have organised their own fundraising and gift-giving initiatives to provide for the cause. A Christmas fair at Hen Goleg Day Service Centre in Barry raised £700 for the campaign.