Leekes Supports Cwtch Mawr and Faith in Families to Aid Swansea Families in Need
Leekes, a family-run Welsh business with a rich heritage and a strong commitment to social responsibility, has teamed up with Cwtch Mawr Multibank and Faith in Families to provide essential goods to families in need across Swansea. This partnership highlights Leekes’ dedication to making a meaningful impact on the local community while supporting those facing difficult times.
“As a Welsh, family-run business with strong ties to the region, we share a commitment to making a meaningful impact within the local community,” said Emma Leeke, Managing Director of Leekes Retail. “Our partnership with Cwtch Mawr and Faith in Families reflects our commitment to supporting the communities that have supported us for over 125 years. Together, we are not just providing resources but creating opportunities and brighter futures for local families.”
Leekes is contributing surplus home essentials, including kitchenware, homeware, bedding, and decorative items. These goods, delivered through Cwtch Mawr, help struggling families transform their living spaces into comfortable homes. Leekes’ contributions align perfectly with their longstanding values of giving back to the community. “Faith in Families’ mission to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and families resonated with Leekes’ values,” added Emma.
The partnership also emphasises Leekes’ ongoing commitment to sustainability. “At Leekes, we are passionate about working to make a positive, sustainable impact on the planet,” said Emma Leeke. “We continuously look for ways to minimise our environmental footprint and develop green strategies that are both smart for our business and good for the environment.” This alignment with Cwtch Mawr’s circular economy model allows Leekes to reduce waste while directly benefiting those in need.
About Leekes Retail: From Family Ironmongers to Home Department Giants
Leekes’ journey began in the late 1890s, when blacksmith James Henry Leeke started a small ironmongery business from the front room of his terraced home in Tonypandy. What began as a family affair selling to local miners has grown into a successful home department store chain, known for providing “everything for the home.”
The business expanded throughout the 20th century, with the first out-of-town home department store opening near Llantrisant in the 1970s, followed by Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire in 1984, and Melksham, Wiltshire in 1992. Over the years, Leekes also acquired the Midlands-based Cole’s Home Furnishers Group and Bristol’s largest independent furniture store, Park Furnishers.
Now, over 60,000 people pass through the doors of a Leekes store each week, a far cry from the early days in Tonypandy. But despite the growth, Leekes has remained true to its family values and commitment to serving local communities, both through business and charitable partnerships like the one with Cwtch Mawr.
About Cwtch Mawr and Faith in Families
Cwtch Mawr, meaning “Big Hug” in Welsh, is Wales’ first multibank—a community donation hub that provides essential goods to families in need across Swansea. Operated by the charity Faith in Families, Cwtch Mawr collects surplus items such as clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and school uniforms, donated by businesses like Leekes and Amazon, and redistributes them through local charity groups and care professionals.
Since launching in 2024, Cwtch Mawr has helped more than 86,000 beneficiaries including 27,000 families, distributing over 250,000 items to those in need. The initiative works in collaboration with schools, community organisations, homeless shelters, and Swansea Council’s social services to ensure these vital supplies reach families who need them most.
Cwtch Mawr is a key part of Faith in Families’ mission to combat poverty while promoting a more sustainable, circular economy—an effort strongly supported by partners like Leekes, who not only donate goods but also embody the spirit of giving back to the community.
A Message to Other Businesses
Leekes encourages other local businesses to explore partnerships with charities, citing the immense rewards of giving back. “It’s one of the most rewarding and impactful decisions you can make,” said Emma Leeke. “Not only does it allow you to give back to the community that supports your business, but it also builds trust, strengthens relationships, and shows that your business is truly invested in making a difference.”
This collaboration between Leekes, Cwtch Mawr, and Faith in Families serves as a shining example of how local businesses can come together to make a real, lasting difference for families in need while supporting sustainable practices.
