Every year, as Christmas approaches, The Business Centre fills with that unmistakable sense of community that makes this place feel more like a family than an office building. But this year, something extra special is happening inside Suite 11. Sparkles Cleaning Services, one of our business residents, has launched a Christmas food donations drive to support two incredible local organisations: Cardiff Foodbank and Vale Foodbank.
And they’re asking all of us for help to ensure local families facing food insecurity receive the support they need this festive season.
Non-perishable Food Donations Needed Most at Vale & Cardiff Foodbank
These are the non-perishable food items urgently needed at Vale and Cardiff Foodbank this Christmas. If you’re able to donate, even one item makes a meaningful difference:
- Tinned ham (teardrop tins specifically)
- Gravy granules
- Stuffing
- Tinned custard
- Christmas pudding
- Mince pies / Christmas cake
- Christmas chocolates/selection boxes
- Boxed biscuits
- Christmas savoury snacks (e.g., Christmas Pringles)
- Cranberry sauce
Bringing Smiles this Christmas
When we sat down with Sparkles’ Managing Director, Ceri Jennings, her motivation was clear and deeply heartfelt.
“There are so many families struggling at this time of year,” Ceri shared. “I honestly can’t imagine not having a Christmas lunch, especially for children. If we can help give even a little to bring a smile to someone’s face over the holidays, then we need to do it.”
Sparkles Cleaning Services was recently awarded the cleaning contract for the main distribution hub for Cardiff Foodbank in Splott. Seeing the scale of their work up close made a lasting impression on Ceri and her team.
“They do incredible work. We’ve done free deep cleans for them in the last year to help out. We just wanted to give back to the community. And this Christmas felt like the right place to start.”
Half of the food donations collected through the drive will also go to the Vale Foodbank, ensuring help reaches families right here in Barry and the wider Vale community.
Charity Fundraising Events Helping the Community
Although this is Sparkles’ first time organising a food donation drive, giving back is not new to them.
“We’ve raised money for charities like Macmillan Cancer Support through bake sales,” Ceri told us. “Two members of staff ran the Cardiff Half Marathon, and we sponsored them. We’ve even sponsored a local football team’s kit.
I hope that The Business Centre offices can help, even if it’s only one item each from the list, it will make a difference.”
Cost of Living Crisis: Fighting Hunger Directly
This year, with the cost of living crisis putting immense pressure on households, Sparkles felt compelled to do more and to do something that would directly fight hunger and reach families in need.
These items might seem simple, but for a family in crisis, they mean the chance to sit around a table and enjoy a Christmas meal many of us take for granted.
Be Part of the Vale & Cardiff Foodbank Drive: Where & How to Donate
Drop-off Location:
- Suite 11, The Business Centre, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry, CF63 2AW
- Or at The Business Centre’s reception desk
- Alternatively, give Sparkles Cleaning a call to arrange collection: 0800 470 2715 or 07597 362854
Drop-off Times:
Any day between now and 11 December by 10 am, so Sparkles can deliver to the food banks that same day.
A World Where No One Goes Hungry
For Sparkles, supporting the community is a responsibility.
“With the cost of living crisis, it’s important to recognise the struggles people face and help whenever we can,” Ceri said.
“There are so many families, even working families, who need the support food banks offer. And the food banks need our help.”
Cardiff Foodbank’s mission says it all:
They aim to create a Cardiff where no one goes hungry, providing three-day emergency food parcels and essentials.
This food donations drive is a chance for all of us to be part of that mission.
Let’s Make a Difference Together
Cardiff Foodbank & Vale Foodbank Donations Drive
We’re incredibly proud to have businesses like Sparkles Cleaning Services at The Business Centre, businesses that roll up their sleeves, rally the community, and make kindness part of their everyday work.
If you’re able, please consider donating an item or two from the list. Your food donation could ease the strain on a struggling family and help make Christmas a little brighter for someone right here in our community.
Thank you for your generosity, your time, and your big hearts.Together, we can help Vale Foodbank & Cardiff Foodbank bring a little relief and a little joy to those who need it most.