Santa appeal breaks records
A RECORD-BREAKING 3,691 presents were donated to this year’s RCT Santa Appeal and opened by needy children on Christmas Day.
A RECORD-BREAKING number of presents were donated to this year’s RCT Santa Appeal.
The incredible generosity of residents saw more than 3,500 gifts given to be opened by children on Christmas Day.
The appeal broke all records, with individuals, organisations and businesses showing their community spirit and pledging a staggering 3,691 presents.
All of the presents were collected from drop-off points by the staff and clients of the council’s Learning Curve service, which provides training, employment and vocational opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
The gifts – for boys and girls up to the age of 16 – were delivered by Santa’s helpers in Children’s Services, to children who were identified as being at risk of not having a present to open on Christmas morning.
As well as hundreds of individuals, local businesses also formed present collections and encouraged staff to bring in a gift.
Churches, restaurants, nurseries and playschemes also donated, while groups of friends came together, such as Katie Jayne Prichard in Aberdare, who together with her pals, collected more than 150 presents.
Ross and Annabelle Williams, of Mountain Ash, opened a Santa’s grotto in their home and invited friends and the local community to enjoy a visit with Father Christmas, in exchange for a gift for the Santa Appeal. Between the grotto, and Ross’ persistence with colleagues at GE Aviation, some 500 gifts were pledged.
Councillor Christina Leyshon, Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “When we launched the Santa Appeal this year, we knew we were going to have a busy few weeks because we are aware of just how generous the people and businesses of Rhondda Cynon Taf are.
“They have embraced the Santa Appeal and, over the years, it keeps getting bigger and better. The total number of gifts pledged this year is 3,691 – with more still coming in.
“Thank you just does not seem to be enough. We are so grateful to everyone for coming together and showing children less fortunate than others what the true spirit of Christmas is.”