TWO organisations supported by the chairman of Cwmbran Community Council are receiving much-needed funds earlier than planned to help them make it through the coronavirus pandemic.

When he took up the role of council chairman, Cllr Anthony Bird chose TRAC2 - a Torfaen-based charity that aims to tackle the effects of poverty and social isolation - and the Pontnewydd branch of the Royal British Legion as the two charities he would support during his term.

And now he has decided funds which would normally be handed to the organisations at the end of his term will be handed over now.

Cllr Bird said: “It has been my privilege to raise money for two brilliant charities throughout the year.

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“I’ve decided to break with tradition and have taken the decision to release the funds before my term of office ends because, unfortunately, due to the current circumstances, the further fund raising opportunities that were planned have had to be cancelled, but more importantly I can see the vital need the organisations are facing in a time when they are needed more than ever."

Over the course of Councillor Bird’s term of office, around £600 was raised by donations from the public and as well as a donation from the Cwmbran Trust.

Sue Malson, manager, and Nathan Yeowell, chairman of TRAC2 said: "The donation from the chairman of Cwmbran Community Council could not have come at a better time.

"Covid-19 has piled the pressure on families across Torfaen.

"Many families are feeling the pinch, still more are suffering after weeks of social isolation – all of them need our continued support.

"The chairman’s donation will help us provide emergency provisions for these families, including food, PPE and gas and electricity payment.

"A big thank you to Cwmbran Community Council from all of us a TRAC2 for your continued, generous support."

Martin Davies, secretary for the Royal British Legion Pontnewydd branch, said: "Donations form a major source of revenue for the Royal British Legion.

"Each year more people come to the Legion for help and the cost of that help is continually increasing.

"Especially in these difficult times with the added burden of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Daily we see and read of young service men and women in many parts of the world, often in considerable danger, and this means that there will always be a need to provide help for them and their dependants, when they themselves no longer can.

"That is why it is so important that the Legion can continue with its vital work."