Pontypool RFC has donated £5,000 to charity TRAC2 to help struggling families in Torfaen.

The pledge will help the charity shared emergency food parcels to householders in the community.

Club captain Scott Matthews and head coach Leighton Jones presented TRAC2’s CEO Sue Malson and Steve Malson with the donation at Pontypool Park.

Sue Malson said: “I would like to thank Pontypool RFC for the generous donation for £5,000. I’m going to split the donation equally between The Trussell Trust food bank in Pontnewynydd and TRAC 2. I have ordered 40 food hampers that will consist of beef, turkey, sausage meat and pigs in blankets so there are families that can have a meal on Christmas Day.

“With the high cost of living many are struggling and it isn’t just those on benefits, it is those working as well. We set up the food bank 12 years ago when we were going through austerity. Sadly, today in 2023, with the high cost of living the food banks are in more demand than ever.”

Speaking of the decision to split the money between the Trussell Trust and TRAC 2, Sue said: “The charity works 24/7 so our food bank is used 24/7. The Trussell Trust operates three or four times a week in different areas of Torfaen. There is a great need at the moment for both food banks to be topped up but the money for TRAC 2 will cover 40 families.”

Peter Jeffreys, Pontypool RFC executive chairman, said: “We understand that people are struggling in these difficult times and hopefully with this donation, the club is able to bring some support to those in need.”