Every Christmas, we see the best of our community. This year, the Swansea Bay Radio Christmas Appeal proudly supported by Celtic Leisure reminded us just how powerful people can be when they pull together and the impact will be felt long after the tinsel is packed away.
Chosen as the recipient charity for the Swansea Bay Radio Christmas Appeal 2025, Faith in Families was honoured to receive all donated gifts, generously collected by listeners across Swansea Bay and proudly supported by Celtic Leisure. Because of that kindness, hundreds of children will have something to open on Christmas morning, and vital support will reach families who need it most.
A Christmas Appeal with Reach Far Beyond One Charity
What made this appeal truly special was its scale. The gifts donated didn’t just support families already accessing Faith in Families services. Through our Cwtch Mawr Multibank, those donations will also reach 129 partner organisations across Swansea Bay.
That includes charities and services such as Action for Children, Women’s Aid, Christchurch Primary School, and many more working on the front line every day. Because of this network, one donated gift can reach a child in crisis, a family fleeing domestic abuse, or a school supporting pupils facing poverty.
This is exactly what the Cwtch Mawr Multibank exists to do; make generosity go further, faster, and fairly.
Swansea Bay Radio Christmas Appeal 2025: Powered by People
The appeal was driven by the voices, energy, and commitment of Swansea Bay Radio, with special thanks to Leigh and Claire from the Breakfast Show and all the presenters who championed the campaign throughout.
Leigh and Claire, Swansea Bay Radio Breakfast Show, said:
“Every year our listeners show up in the most incredible way, but this appeal really stopped us in our tracks. Knowing these gifts are going to Faith in Families, and through them to so many organisations across Swansea Bay, makes every donation feel even more powerful.”
From on-air conversations to collection reminders, the station kept the appeal front and centre and listeners responded in force.
Celtic Leisure: Turning Leisure Centres into Places of Giving
Michelle Jones, Leisure Business Manager at Celtic Leisure, said:
“Our centres sit at the heart of local communities, so supporting the Swansea Bay Radio Christmas Appeal felt like a natural fit. Seeing the volume of gifts coming in, and knowing they’re going directly to Faith in Families and their partners, has been incredibly motivating for our teams.”
- Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre, Princess Margaret Way, Port Talbot SA12 6QW
- Neath Sports Centre, Neath Abbey Road, Neath SA10 7BR
- Neath Leisure Centre, Water Street, Neath SA11 3EP
- Pontardawe Leisure Centre, Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4EG
- Vale of Neath Leisure Centre, Chain Road, Glynneath SA11 5HW
- Gwyn Hall, Orchard Street, Neath, West Glamorgan SA11 1DU
What This Means for Families
“We didn’t think there would be anything under the tree this year. Knowing someone cared enough to donate means more than I can put into words.”
Another parent told us:
“It wasn’t just the present, it was the relief. Christmas felt possible again.”
These moments are why appeals like this matter, especially during times when families are stretched to breaking point.
A Shared Effort, A Shared Impact
Reflecting on the appeal, Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said:
“This appeal shows what’s possible when local media, businesses, and communities work together. The generosity of Swansea Bay Radio listeners, backed by Celtic Leisure, will support not just our families but hundreds more through our partner network.”
Because of this collective effort, support reaches wider, faster, and with dignity.
Looking Ahead: How You Can Stay Involved
While the Swansea Bay Radio Christmas Appeal 2025 has come to a close, the need hasn’t. Families continue to face rising costs, uncertainty, and crisis and community support remains vital.
Visit https://faithinfamilies.wales to learn more, support our work, or explore how your organisation can partner with us.
