Charity unwraps 2010 vision (From Milford Mercury)

Charity unwraps 2010 vision

1:00pm Thursday 31st December 2009

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One of Pembrokeshire’s most tireless charities will be entering 2010 under a different name, yet with the same valuable goals.

Based at Milford Marina, Milford Action To Combat Hardship (MATCH) was established in June 2008, with the aim of tackling poverty and helping underprivileged people in the county. However, as group co-ordinator Tracy Olin explained, the charity has now changed its title to PATCH — to cover the whole of the county.

“Our constitution has always said we can help anybody in Pembrokeshire and we have served people as far away as Fishguard and Tenby,” said Tracy.

“But the name did rather give the impression that we were just for the people in Milford.

“It can stop people from elsewhere in Pembrokeshire giving donations if they think we are only working in Milford Haven.”

She said PATCH is now looking to open further branches elsewhere in the county.

The group is reliant on donations from the public and organisations, and has fed more than 800 people and clothed more than 350.

“The food parcels provide meals for five days and include breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks.

“We are happy to accept whatever people want to offer, whether it be a tin of beans or textiles that have been ripped,” Tracy added.

She established the group after working on a similar project in Southampton (called SCRATCH).

When it opened, the charity consisted of just ten volunteers, but that number has now risen to 25.

“We simply wouldn’t exist without the volunteers,” said Tracy.

“Twice a year we hold appreciation events for them. We are all here because we love people and there is such a genuine need to help people.

“Every volunteer has become a friend.”

She explained that people are put in contact with PATCH by referral agents which include social services, schools and churches, and Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb. They are then provided with a PATCH voucher and supplied with the necessary food and clothing.

The group shares a building with the Cleddau Community Church, of which Tracy is a member, but she was keen to stress the charity helps any individual — irrespective of their beliefs.

“We are a Christian charity but we do not try to impose that on anyone.

“We are about feeding the poor and giving help to people who need it, we are unconditional.”

The group regularly visits local schools and Tracy says it is her dream that the charity will eventually establish satellites all over Pembrokeshire. She also expressed her gratitude to companies such as South Hook LNG, which she says have regularly helped the group with donations.

“Since we started I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of people,” she said.

“I’m so grateful to our amazing volunteers and to everyone who has donated anything from a tin of spaghetti to a large cheque, we appreciate them all.”

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