Caia Park Partnership holds Winter Wonderland event

It took place at the Caia Park Partnership on Friday and saw schools, businesses and organisations come together to put on a wonderful Christmas event.

Over 350 selection boxes were handed out to children, and more than 100 families were able to collect free toys for Christmas gifts.

There was a disco with Elves, a visit from Santa and a Christmas lights switch on, as well a whole host of food and drink for people to enjoy.

Shauni Thomas, who helped organise the event, said: "I am a born and bred resident of Caia Park and over the years there has been so much bad publicity for our council estate. So it's brilliant to be able share in some of the good that goes on. This year I wanted to give back to our estate. It has been a rough year for a lot of our residents and we all feel it together. 

"We have lost some absolute legends this year and the cost of living has affected more than just our pockets. Local businesses and Caia organisations including the schools and the playgroups all came together to volunteer their own time to help to pull this off.

"Around 300 people came through our gates, it was absolutely wonderful to see."

Among those who donated to the event with food and drink and toys were Cefn Park Estate Sparkles Day Care, Gwenfro Primary School, Net World Sports, Mainetti (UK) Ltd, Delta Fulfilment and Casual Kids Clothing.

Also involved were CEF Electrical, Dan Painter and Decorator, Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground and more. 

Shauni added: "This is what our estate is about, not crime rates or poverty statistics. It's about a community coming together in tough times and helping each other."

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Queensway councillor, Carrie Harper, said: "There was a massive effort to collect donations of new and used toys for the Winter Wonderland event at the Caia Park Partnership last week.

"The success of the event shows just how generous our community is and a massive thank you needs to go to Shauni Thomas and the team at the Partnership for organising it all."

She added: "The annual Christmas Eve food share organised through Given to Shine will also be taking place at the Partnership this year. It starts from 6.15pm, all food will be free but residents are asked to please bring your own bags."