Council thanks public for ‘phenomenal response’ to this year’s Santa Appeal!

Thanks to an overwhelming response from members of the public and the generous donations of kind-hearted local groups, churches and businesses, the 2024 Santa Appeal has exceeded all expectations!

The online ‘Just Giving’ donations page hosted by our partners at Awen Cultural Trust has more than doubled last year’s total, while generous donations of gifts have been pouring into the council’s Civic Offices and designated drop-off points at Halo Leisure facilities around the county borough.

Some highlights of the generous donations, include:

• The Santa Appeal Just Giving page raised a grand total of £8,451.00 donations (which includes £1,497 in Gift Aid).
• Halo Leisure raised over £500 at their leisure centres and swimming pools.
• Porters Estate Agents also raised £500.
• Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club made a generous donation of £200.
• Donations were also received from Graham Paul Accountants and the ladies at Bargains Galore.
• The council’s Social Services and Wellbeing teams and Day Services provision raised funds by holding bake sales.
• Hope Baptist Church, Bridgend College and Brackla Slimming World Group donated both toys, gifts, and cash towards the appeal.
• Toys and gifts were donated at the council’s Civic Offices and designated drop-off points at Halo Leisure facilities.
• Social Services & Wellbeing Business Support staff held a cake sale and raised £275.
• Local businesses responded generously to the appeal by donating toys and cash.

Huge thanks also goes to the 50 volunteers who wrapped and sorted more than 1,400 toys and gifts for children and young people in the county borough nominated by Social Care and Early Help/Flying Start teams.

Despite another difficult financial year for many, local people have dug deep and responded overwhelmingly to the call for donations to this year’s Santa Appeal. We are amazed by people’s generosity and delighted that as a result, 278 local children and young people in our care will be guaranteed a gift to open on Christmas Day.

I’d like to offer our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has taken the time and effort to donate to this year’s appeal – your generosity and kindness means local children have something to celebrate this Christmas. We’d also like to thank our partners at Awen, Halo and Bridgend College, as well as local businesses, charities and church groups and council staff who have rallied together to ensure every child in our care wakes to a present on Christmas morning.

We thank you all for your generous contributions - we could not have done it without your support!

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, Councillor Jane Gebbie