Vale is responding to the national call for financial support during these challenging few months. The £20,000 donation is intended to support the huge demand for food and other essential items, as the effects of the COVID-19 crisis sees further job losses in the Swansea Valley.

“Vale has a long history of support for Ty Croeso Food Bank in Clydach,” said Darren Poland, Operations Manager for Vale’s Clydach Nickel Refinery. “The Clydach food bank is seeing new clients every day during this crisis, and we wanted to support the growing demand for their important community service. Our community is known for its generosity, so I would like to echo the call to please give what you can during these challenging and unprecedented times.”

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Vale on behalf of Ty Croeso Food Bank and those in need in our community for their continued support,” said Alan Cram, Coordinator at Ty Croeso Food Bank, “this generous donation will go a long way in helping to feed vulnerable people in our community who come to us in a crisis for all sorts of reasons. We have certainly seen an increase over the last few months as a result of people losing their jobs and getting into great difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. It's great that we’re able to help everyone who comes through our doors thanks to Vale and our community members who have supported us financially or by donating food and essential items.”

“Our community is known for its generosity, said Poland, and we have certainly seen a great deal of positive community engagement over the last few months. During these challenging times we have also been working closely with the Clydach Community Council, and they’re volunteers and would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to them for supporting the delivery of our face masks.”

Vale has donated over 10,000 face masks to local care homes, hospices and other community organisations. Volunteers at Clydach Community Council kindly delivered the masks on Vale’s behalf, and the Clydach Nickel Refinery were extremely grateful for their support.

“The last few months have been very challenging for us all,” said Matthew Bailey, Chairman for Clydach Community Council, “Clydach has pulled together to support each other, and we have seen some excellent community partnerships. We are extremely thankful to Vale for providing these face masks and proud to work in partnership with them. We would also like to thank the community councillors and the volunteers who have been crucial to the local support networks.”