At Faith in Families, we are always touched by the generosity and creativity of those who support our work. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mal Jewell to our Cwtch Mawr Multibank, where he shared his inspiring journey of resilience, craftsmanship, and giving back to the community.
Mal, who was born and raised in Blaen Y Maes, faced a life-changing event last year when he suffered a heart attack. Forced to step away from work, he refused to slow down. Instead, with the help of his sons, he transformed his garage into a small joinery workshop, where he began crafting beautifully handcrafted birdhouses using mostly recycled wood.
Mal Jewell | Turning Passion into Purpose
What started as a personal project quickly became a mission of kindness. Mal has pledged that for every birdhouse he sells, he will donate half an hour of his time to charity. Customers can choose a local charity to benefit or let fate decide by spinning his unique “Wheel of Wood.”
In a wonderful show of generosity, Mal donated one of his handcrafted birdhouses to Faith in Families, which will be raffled at our upcoming charity ball to help raise funds for our vital services.
"Giving back to the community that shaped me is so important," Mal shared. "I grew up in Blaen Y Maes, so it feels really special to be able to support Faith in Families and the incredible work they do in places like Portmead and Clase."
Sustainable Craftsmanship with a Heart
Mal’s birdhouses are not just beautifully designed but are also crafted with sustainability in mind. Using recycled wood, he ensures that each piece has both character and a positive environmental impact.
"I pay for most of the reclaimed wood myself, and I’ve worked out how long each one takes to make. I then use minimum wage as a guide for pricing, making them both affordable and fair," he explained.
How You Can Support Mal’s Mission
Mal’s unique approach to giving means that when someone purchases one of his birdhouses via Faith in Families, his donation automatically goes to us, helping to fund our essential community services.
We are incredibly grateful to Mal for his generosity and for using his skills to create change. His story is a testament to how passion and resilience can turn life’s challenges into opportunities for kindness, creativity, and community support.
To support Mal’s work or purchase a birdhouse, please get in touch with us at Faith in Families. Every purchase not only provides a charming home for birds but also helps make a real difference in the lives of families who need it most.
