Hampers bring hope this Christmas

Cyfannol staff and individuals came together on Thursday 5th December to take part in a Hampers of Hope charity event, demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas!  

We welcomed more than 40 supporters from across Newport and the wider Gwent area to Whitehead’s Sports & Social Club, where they packed 50 hampers for women staying in the charity’s refuges and supported accommodation this Christmas.  

Cyfannol Women’s Aid will provide vital support to hundreds of adults, children and young people across Gwent during the festive period, including women who will spend Christmas in their safe accommodation, either alone or with their children, as they rebuild their lives after abuse. 

Through their Hampers of Hope Christmas appeal, Cyfannol received more than 1000 items from individuals and organisations across Gwent to include in festive hamper baskets. From pampering toiletries and cozy socks to mindful activity books and warming hot chocolate mugs, the charity has been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.  

Businesses have been keen to support, with Ebbw Vale company HR Dept stepping up to cover the costs of the baskets themselves. Meanwhile, Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt solicitors contributed towards wearable blanket hoodies for each of the women staying with Cyfannol this Christmas. This donation was matched by Newport Female Runners Network, who recently held a raffle for their 5th Birthday, with all proceeds going towards the charity’s appeal.  

Whitehead Sports & Social Club showed their support by providing a free space for the hamper packing to take place, complete with festive refreshments and Christmas tunes to get everyone in the seasonal spirit! As the participants packed, they shared their experiences of supporting Cyfannol, generating a palpable sense of community.  

Layla Kirtley of Newport Female Runners Network, who attended the event, said: “Cyfannol Women’s Aid is our club’s chosen charity, so we didn’t think twice about offering our support to help pack festive hampers. The charity does so much to provide support to women who need it; seeing so many people turn up to lend a hand was so lovely.” 

Cyfannol’s CEO, Helen Swain said: “We know how daunting the prospect of spending Christmas in refuge can be, but donations such as these offer a real glimmer of joy and hope. It’s heartwarming to witness how the support we receive from our communities continues to make such a positive impact on the lives of women who’ve been through so much.”  

Reflecting on the hamper-packing event, Councillor Jo Gauden said: “What a wonderful evening with communities pulling together to make Christmas special for women supported by Cyfannol. A simple gesture, making up a hamper of treats will bring smiles to so many. I’m going home with a tear in my eye, humbled by everyone’s generosity.” 

Cyfannol Women’s Aid is still collecting gifts for children staying in its refuges and families being supported in the community. Donations can be made to any of its local Hwbs until 16th December.  

Find your nearest Hwb: https://cyfannol.org.uk/contact/offices/