Residents invited to make a difference by donating practical gifts and treats
THIS Christmas, St Mary’s in Butetown and St Saviour’s in Splott are collecting donations to help the Salvation Army and Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group Wales.
The Salvation Army’s Ty Gobaith Lifehouse is a supported residential house in Butetown.
“There are about 70 residents in Ty Gobaith, mostly men but there’s about six to eight women as well so we decided we would like to give each of them a Christmas gift, practical things and treat things,” said Father Dean Atkins, who manages St Mary’s and St Saviour’s.
He added: “People are invited to bring toiletry items, deodorant and shampoo, shower gels and treats like chocolate and gloves.
“The number of people who are homeless in Cardiff has increased over the years and we’ve got quite a number of hostels nearby so Butetown feels the impact of homelessness and the associated problems. We try to be as supportive as possible.”
The Chaplain of Ty Gobaith Lifehouse, Major John Stark, said: “At Christmas it is nice to receive a gift or two, this is no different for our residents here at Ty Gobaith.
“The Salvation Army will give gifts to the residents but it’s so encouraging to us all – staff and residents when organisations, charities and individuals contact us to ask how they can help and support practically.
“The gifts that St Mary’s and St Saviour’s give to us will mean so much to those receiving them.”
WSSAG has a building in the grounds of St Mary’s and it will receive the proceeds from St Mary’s Christmas greetings board and money raised from the nativity scene.
The group will also be holding a party for children in the church a week before Christmas, which will be funded by St Mary’s.
WWSAG advises refugee women and their families to help them rebuild their lives. The group is a place for all women, not just refugees, to come together to learn from one another and share experiences in total confidence.
If you would like to support either group this Christmas, donations will be collected at both St Mary’s and St Saviour’s churches in the run up to Christmas.
