Donations have extra impact in cost of living crisis

Toys, food, Christmas dinners, gift hampers and money have all been winging their way to good causes across Neath Port Talbot in the run up to Christmas.

Community Landlord, Tai Tarian and contractors have teamed up to do their bit for communities as the cost of living crisis has an impact on this year’s festive season.

Tai Tarian runs a community benefits scheme which sees contractors giving back to local initiatives as part of their involvement with the housing association.  That’s bolstered by a staff Acts of Kindness Fund.

Roxanne Collins is from Tai Tarian’s Tenant Engagement and External Affairs team. She is one of two members of staff who have been tirelessly coordinating funding and deliveries.

She said:

“This year in partnership with our contractors and from staff donations, we have been able to donate to every food bank within Neath Port Talbot.

“It’s really sobering when you see the level of demand this year. As an organisation that works with a range of people, many of whom are at the sharp end of the crisis, we will be continuing a food bank collection from our staff into the new year.

“Also this year, staff have gone above and beyond to provide over 80 gifts to the Young Carers Appeal.”

Cheryl Roberts from the Neath Port Talbot Young Carers project said any gifts were especially welcome because Christmas is an extra challenging time for young carers:

“The children and young people we work with don’t look forward to Christmas in the same way as children without caring responsibilities.

“They might be under pressure to provide Christmas dinners or face other additional Christmas chores, while they may not be lucky enough to have fit and caring parents to make sure they have gifts.

“With their support network in schools closed during the festive period as well, it can be pretty lonely.

“That’s why its fantastic that Tai Tarian staff are supporting us to give them some Christmas cheer for a third year.”

Some of the organisations to receive support from Tai Tarian’s Community Benefits Initiative include the veterans’ Christmas lunch, Me, Myself & I and the Salvation Army Haven Centre.