Thanks to the generosity of residents, Council staff, and local organisations, Santa's Cause is distributing over 1,000 gifts to families in the Vale in time for Christmas.

Earlier in the year, the Vale of Glamorgan Council launched Santa's Cause 2023, a fundraising and gift-giving initiative that aims to provide every child and young person with a Christmas gift who otherwise may go without.

After calling on the support of the community, the campaign received hundreds of donations. Now, in the lead-up to Christmas, the Council's Flying Start and Social Services teams are distributing the gifts to families across the County.

Following the huge success of the campaign, the Council is thanking the businesses and organisations whose kind donations helped make it happen: Wynter Isabelle Bridal, Greenbrick Group Ltd, Mari Jones, Merricks Transport Ltd, Ace Site Services (UK) Limited, Tom Pritchard Contracting Limited, Parent Pay, New Directions, Barry Town United Football Club, A S Lloyd & Sons Ltd, Hugh James, Cowbridge United Free Church, Newydd Housing, Romaquip, Penarth Lawn Tennis Club, Gibson STS Ltd, Zengenti, The Works (Barry), The Entertainer (Cardiff), Aston Martin, Creigiau Travel Ltd, LLantwit Rotary Club, Apollo Teaching, South Wales Police, Watts Truck and Van Centre, Rhoose Lifeguards, Ysgol Y Deri, and Sully Primary School.

Alongside support from local businesses, community groups and venues across the Vale have organised their own fundraising and gift-giving initiatives to provide for the cause. On 01 December Hen Goleg Day Service Centre in Barry hosted a Christmas Fayre, raising £700 for the campaign.

Councillor Lis Burnett, Leader of the Council said: "I am incredibly proud of our organisation and communities for supporting Santa's Cause. I have been blown away by the generosity that has poured in from residents, businesses, and staff.

"The campaign has been a huge collaborative effort, and every donation, big or small, has played a role in making it a success.

"Unfortunately, Christmas can be a time of great stress and anxiety for many families. I hope that each gift bag will relieve that stress a little, and help a family have a merry Christmas this year.

"Whether you shared the cause on social media, donated a present, contributed money, or offered your services, from us and hundreds of families across the Vale… Thank you and Merry Christmas. Diolch yn fawr a Nadolig Llawen!"