Festive spirit at business and enterprise centre supports local charities

Local businesses donated generous prizes and pupils from Ysgol Bro Penfro sang carols at the event, which raised funds for emotional support charity the Samaritans and The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which works with schools and individuals to help children with additional learning needs.

Beth Morgan of The Catrin Vaughan Foundation said: “We are really delighted to attend today, this means a huge amount to us as a family and as an organisation.”

“Catrin would have been immensely proud that we have been able to continue to provide support for children. It’s really special to be able to continue to do that in her name.”

The foundation supports children throughout Pembrokeshire by helping to provide specialist facilities and equipment such as sensory rooms and outdoor spaces. For more information visit their Facebook page or The Catrin Vaughan Foundation – Helping children with additional learning needs

Christine Gwyther, Samaritans regional director said: “It’s always wonderful to come to an event like this where people come together to support each other.

“As a local person, I’m so pleased to see the innovation centre alive and thriving. I am particularly looking forward to seeing young people coming to sing with us, because I think it’s good for them to have a taste of what a business career might look like and having that kind of aspiration in our local towns is a really, really good thing.”

Vice Director of Pembrokeshire Samaritans Sue Oldreive added: “Being a Samaritan is really engaging. Talking and listening to people is the most important thing. Anyone can call us 365 days a year, any time and the call will be answered. Call are free, 116123, or email jo@samaritans.org.  We are also looking for volunteers to join us.”

Nearly £180 was raised for the charities during the event.

Peter Lord, PCC Business Development Principal Officer, said: “It’s great to support the tenants of the Bridge Innovation Centre in hosting a charitable event like this as part of our Christmas celebrations.”

BIC tenant John Likeman of Raven Technologies, who helped arrange the festivities, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped to organise this event, and to the people who came to support it.

“I love working at the Bridge Innovation Centre, it’s a great place, really friendly and everyone is always very supporting and looking out for each other.

“It’s great to be able to share that with the wider community today.”

Ysgol Bro Penfro Executive Headteacher Dafydd Hughes added: “It’s great for the children to come to the Bridge Innovation Centre and have a different experience and to see the career opportunities that will be available to them.”

Caption: BIC tenants and staff were joined by the Samaritans and the Catrin Vaughan Foundation