Pembroke Mayor Aden Brinn welcomed all to the Christmas Soup event at Pembroke Town Hall, benefitting a local charity.
The event was hosted by Pembroke Soup on November 18.
Each Christmas, one charity or community group is invited to share what they do. All of the entrance money - the £5 fee for which people receive delicious homemade soup and some bread - is given straight to that group.
Other community groups who have presented during 2023 are also invited to have a free tabletop to demonstrate what they do and to sell items if appropriate.
Chosen charity was Paul Sartori. Chairman David shared what the Pembrokeshire charity offers in the community, supporting people at the end of life to remain comfortably in their own home, providing nursing care from their qualified staff, and equipment including beds. It also offers physiotherapy and can provide counselling for patient and family.
All this is made possible by funds raised from the charity shops; legacies and donations, along with funds raised at events.Although the organisation employs staff and provides such care provision, it is supported by over 200 volunteers who work in the shops and behind the scenes raising funds.
The charity received £320 from the entrance money and a further £200 from items sold at the Christmas Soup event.
Other groups attending were:
Esteam, who create products to sell at their base in Warren where they provide training support for people with special needs. Referrals may be made directly to Esteam for adult placement or through social services.
Pembrokeshire Homeless provided a table demonstrating the types of items that they give to those who are roofless and needing help and support in dire situations.
VC Gallery volunteers were present to talk at their table about the work they do with Armed Forces veterans, not only in their new base in a former school building at Pembroke Dock; but also reaching out across the county with their art therapy.
Menshed were present and able to share how they offer support and friendship to other men via shared use of their talents ranging from from woodwork to amateur radio skills.
Members of Tabernacle ‘Garden Through Time’ group displayed their success in extending the garden, an outdoor space for the community to enjoy. This has been helped enormously by several grants given during this year and the many volunteers.