CETMA’s “Feed a Family for Christmas” campaign is once again bringing hope and comfort to households across Llanelli, ensuring that no one is left without a festive meal during the holidays.
The initiative grew out of CETMA’s earlier work with the PBP Foodbank, and as Orianna, CETMA’s office manager, explained, the need was clear: “We saw how much people were struggling even more around Christmas time. We wanted to make sure that at least Christmas Day was as stress-free as possible. Families shouldn’t have to worry about food — they should be able to focus on celebrating.”
For CETMA, the campaign reflects a wider mission of inclusion and empowerment. Orianna said: “Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, so we wanted to make sure everyone has at least one day of that.” Yet the festive season often magnifies financial pressures, particularly for parents. “Dinner is often the last thing people think about when planning for Christmas Day. After the usual month-to-month expenses and present buying, many have no money left to spare.”
The hampers provided are more than food parcels; they are lifelines. Families who would otherwise go without, and older residents facing isolation and fuel poverty, find dignity and warmth in the support. “Everyone is always greeted with a warm smile and reassurance that we are there to support them in any way we can,” Orianna added.
Volunteers are central to the campaign’s success. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. They are part of the whole process and we are so incredibly grateful.”
Stories from last year highlight the impact. John, aged 93, has spent two decades alone at Christmas since losing his wife. Too proud to ask for help, he received a parcel containing festive treats and a small bottle of whiskey. He burst into tears, telling CETMA how much it meant to have something to look forward to and how he would toast his old comrades from the Korean War after the King’s Speech. Maggie, a mother of three, described how her husband’s job loss and rising bills left them fearing they couldn’t afford Christmas. The hamper, arranged through a support agency, gave them relief. “It wasn’t turkey and all the trimmings, but it was what we needed. It even came with chocolates and a few presents, so we used the money we saved to get extra little bits for the kids.”
The biggest challenge remains the cost of food. CETMA relies heavily on donations, but Orianna praised the generosity of the local community: “We know a lot of people are struggling to feed themselves let alone donate, but people here are very generous, especially around the festive season.” Partnerships and sponsorships also help fill gaps and spread awareness.
Looking ahead, CETMA hopes the campaign will inspire others to act. “A donation as little as a tin of peas is so appreciated. There is no such thing as too little. Even just sharing the campaign on social media is a massive help.”
While expansion depends on resources, Orianna believes the campaign’s spirit will endure. “This sort of campaign is needed more than ever. We hope it continues even after we are unable to.”
If you want to get in touch with CETMA, please give them a call on 01554 556996, or email kidwelly@cetma.org.uk.
