Gifts bring children much-needed cheer
THIS year has indeed been a year to remember and for some it will indeed be a year to forget
ver the past months we have all striven to support our front line workers and key staff. And rightly so.
But we often forget about people who through sheer dedication and devotion strive to make a future look brighter for others.
We are talking about domestic abuse, both verbal and psychological – unacceptable behaviour in the 21st Century.
With charity events and fundraisers cancelled all over the country, one group of friends and businesses from Carmarthen got together and decided to do something for others, as Paul Bartley, pictured above, explained: “The idea came after seeing some post regarding domestic abuse on social media and it was a matter that concerned me.
“With people losing their jobs and livelihoods and other factors, the level of abuse towards both women and men has increased, often with mothers and fathers fleeing out of fear.
“With their first instinct as parents being to protect their children, many are fleeing with nothing but the shirts on their backs. After making a phone call to the Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Service (CARMDAS) I came to understand that there are seven children living in refuge in the area.
“That’s seven scared children with little if nothing to smile about on Christmas Day. I posted a note on social media asking my friends and businesses in Carmarthen to help me change this and to help make Christmas a little bit special for the children.
Paul added: “With the help of so many of my friends and businesses we were able to provide pyjamas, dressing gowns, hats, scarves and toys for all the children along with some chocolates for the mothers.”
So, with thanks to The Friends Arms pub in Johnstown, businessman Andrew Bassett and his wife Bridget, their daughters Rachel and Rebecca, taxi firms Col’s Cabs and Marvo’s Taxis, Quayside Orthodontics, and others, Paul said: “We shall have seven children on Christmas Day who will be smiling and believing in Santa.”
■ You can seek confidential help and advice from CARMDAS on 01267 234725. Visit the CARMDAS website – https:// www.carmdas.org/