A CAMPAIGN run by this title to help people through the cost-of-living crisis has been praised by the first minister.
Newsquest – publisher of this title – launched Our Communities Together as a cost-of-living crisis appeal across all its Welsh titles earlier this year in partnership with Community Foundation Wales.
The appeal raised more than £1 million – with big donations from the Welsh Government and NatWest Cymru among others.
This month we announced that more than £1m in grants had been awarded to community groups across Wales to support their projects that helped people with the cost of living.
First Minister Mark Drakeford praised the appeal, which has been relaunched to raise money to help more groups.
He said: “The Welsh Government, of course, has been pleased to make our own contribution to the work of the Our Communities Together appeal, and I do congratulate the staff of Newsquest and Community Foundation Wales on the work that they do.”
Mr Drakeford went on to further praise Community Foundation Wales for its work over 20 years supporting the most vulnerable in our society.
He highlighted the Nation of Sanctuary Creoso fund and the foundation’s efforts to bring money from dormant trusts and funds across Wales back into use as examples of its good work.
Mr Drakford was responding to a question from Rhianon Passmore, Senedd member for Islwyn.
She said: “Earlier this year, Newsquest Media Group Wales launched their inaugural Our Communities Together appeal, in partnership with Community Foundation Wales.
“As a result, community groups across Wales have been awarded grants totalling more than £1 million to help people through the cost-of-living crisis.
“The appeal asked its readers and businesses and organisations to donate to a fund that would award grants to grass-roots charities across Wales, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities through the cost-of-living crisis.
“First Minister, would you join me now in congratulating all involved in Newsquest Wales's Our Communities Together appeal.”
The Our Communities Together appeal has awarded grants of up to £5,000 per year to groups across Wales to support projects such as foodbanks, money advice services and emergency heating top-up payments.
To donate to the appeal, please visit the Our Communities Together page on the Community Foundation website.
Businesses or organisations wanting to know more can email Community Foundation Wales director of philanthropy Katy Hales at katy@communityfoundationwales.org.uk.
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