Faith in Families has been shortlisted for the Charity Sustainability Award at the 2026 Charity Times Awards, recognising our work to protect people and the planet through Cwtch Mawr Multibank, Multibank Cymru and our growing network of Cwtch Cubbies.
This is a huge moment for our team, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters. It celebrates a model that turns brand-new surplus stock into essential support for children, families and individuals facing poverty and hardship across Wales.
The Charity Times Awards return for their 27th year in 2026. The awards celebrate best practice across the UK charity and not-for-profit sector, recognising organisations that are raising standards, supporting communities and delivering meaningful impact.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on 23rd September 2026 at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.
Charity Sustainability Award recognition for Faith in Families
Being shortlisted for the Charity Sustainability Award means so much because sustainability is at the heart of this work.
Across the UK, businesses and supply chains hold brand-new surplus items that could otherwise be stored, wasted or destroyed. At the same time, people across Wales are going without basics such as clothing, toiletries, baby essentials, bedding, school items and household goods.
Cwtch Mawr Multibank bridges that gap.
Instead of usable products being lost from the system, they are redirected into communities where they become immediate, practical support. To date, Cwtch Mawr Multibank has distributed over one million essential items through more than 150 trusted charity and community partners.
Every item has a purpose. Every item represents less waste and more dignity.
Turning surplus into support
Our sustainability approach is simple, but powerful: the things people need already exist.
Through Cwtch Mawr Multibank, now growing as Multibank Cymru, we work with partners to redistribute brand-new surplus stock to people who need it most. This includes nappies, wipes, clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, bedding, cleaning products, baby equipment and household essentials.
This model protects the environment by reducing waste and supporting a more circular economy. However, it also protects people. Families can access essentials without judgement, and community organisations can respond quickly when someone is in crisis.
It is not just about giving out items. It is about creating a smarter, kinder supply chain of care.
Cwtch Cubbies bringing support closer
Over the past year, we have strengthened this work through our growing network of Cwtch Cubbies.
Cwtch Cubbies are local access points where essential items can be distributed more directly and responsively. They help reduce travel for families, improve access to support, and make sure goods reach the right people at the right time.
They also help our teams and partners respond to need in a more efficient way. Stock can move through communities faster, duplication can be reduced, and support can be shaped around local demand.
Because of this, Cwtch Cubbies are helping us make sustainability practical, local and human.
A message from Cherrie Bija
Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said:
“Being shortlisted for the Charity Sustainability Award is a very proud moment for Faith in Families, because this work shows what is possible when people and planet are considered together. Through Cwtch Mawr Multibank, Multibank Cymru and our Cwtch Cubbies, we are taking brand-new surplus stock and giving it purpose. Items that could have been wasted are instead helping children, families and individuals feel supported, seen and valued. This recognition belongs to our team, volunteers, partners and every organisation that believes useful goods should never go to waste while people are going without. Together, we are turning surplus into support, and that is something really powerful.”
People and planet, together
Faith in Families is proud to show that sustainability and social impact can work hand in hand.
Our model helps businesses reduce waste, supports charities with the resources they need, and gives families access to essentials with dignity. It also helps change the way people think about poverty and waste.
A product that is surplus in one place can be essential in another. A supply chain challenge can become a community solution. And environmental action can sit alongside compassion, dignity and practical support.
The success of this work would not be possible without our partners, including organisations such as Amazon, and the many community groups, charities, volunteers and supporters who help make redistribution happen every day.
Get involved
We are proud to be shortlisted for the Charity Sustainability Award, and we are even prouder of what this work means for communities across Wales.
If you would like to learn more about Cwtch Mawr Multibank, Multibank Cymru or our Cwtch Cubbies, please visit our website and find out how you can support our work.
Together, we can keep turning waste into worth, surplus into support, and sustainability into real community impact.
