A Wiltshire packaging manufacturer has teamed up once again with a local charity group to help support families struggling this Christmas.
GWP Packaging, based in Cricklade, donated hundreds of boxes to Cirencester Round Table, which used them to distribute Christmas food parcels to disadvantaged families across the area on December 21.
It marks the third consecutive year the business has supported the initiative, which aims to provide practical help to those feeling the strain of rising living costs during the festive period.
James Macpherson, a committee member of Cirencester Round Table who organised the scheme alongside fellow members Chris Hill and Josh Toomer, said demand for support remains high.
“Sadly, many individuals in our local area have been negatively impacted by rising prices, not just on food but on other essentials too,” he said. “These pressures can feel especially acute at Christmas. The continued support of local businesses like GWP has been vital in helping us offer tangible assistance.”
Cirencester Round Table is part of a nationwide network of around 300 groups made up of men aged 18 to 45, raising more than £4 million for charity each year while volunteering over 160,000 hours. Its Christmas food parcel project is one of many community initiatives it runs throughout the year.
David Mason, sales director at GWP Packaging, said the company was pleased to continue its support.
“We’re delighted to have helped Cirencester Round Table for a third year,” he said. “From our previous work together, it’s clear this initiative makes a real difference locally, and we’re happy to play a small part in supporting it.”
Alongside the Cirencester project, GWP has backed several other charitable efforts this Christmas. The firm supplied hundreds of boxes to Bristol-based loneliness charity Marmalade Trust, which used them as hampers filled with treats as part of its Christmas Cheer campaign – a partnership now in its fourth year.
The company has also sponsored the Cricklade Band, supported Swindon Foodbank, and raised funds through staff participation in national Christmas Jumper Day.
Employing more than 100 people across two sites in Wiltshire, GWP Packaging designs and manufactures bespoke protective packaging for customers across the UK and beyond.