Community groups across south Wales are embracing the outdoors this autumn, thanks to almost five thousand pounds from Ogi – Wales’s leading alternative broadband provider.
As part of the latest funding round of its award-winning grant programme ‘Cefnogi’, around 20 groups will benefit from a cash boost, volunteering opportunities and community workshops. Among those benefiting are a Head Boy and Girl duo from Alaw Primary School in Tonypandy, a community mud kitchen in Maesteg, a forest school in west Wales, and the Aventurion Emeralds brad band in Cefyn Hengoed, with activities set to engage thousands of people between now and the end of the year.
Launched in 2022, the programme has already given away more than £40,000, supporting hundreds of local groups across over 60 communities – in areas where Ogi is rolling its next generation full fibre network.
Lead by the Community Liaison team, the initiative also offers staff and contractors the opportunity to volunteer, with more than 2,500 hours already donated to local community groups.
Staff across Ogi have helped clear walking paths with Valeways in the Vale of Glamorgan, provided equipment for emerging grassroots sports teams in Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly and provided defibrillators and first aid training in Pembrokeshire. The wide-reaching impact of the scheme has seen hundreds of projects funded or offered volunteering hours since it started last year [2022].
On announcing the latest round, Head of Brand and Engagement, Sarah Vining, said: “It’s so exciting to see the Cefnogi programme go from strength-to-strength. Our brand has become synonymous with the community work we play a part in – and that’s something we’re very proud of.
“Supporting everything from local Scouts groups to warm spaces, women in business events, garden clearing and arts festivals, the programme is now well and truly embedded in our culture – and staff are queuing up to get involved.
“Many of our staff, contractors and supply chain partners live in these towns and villages, and this initiative, bringing small – but no less vital – cash injections is our way of giving back to those that are providing much needed support locally.”
The programme extends to volunteering opportunities and one-off grants and is open four times a year for the likes of grassroots community groups, small charities and town councils to apply. For more information visit www.ogi.wales/cefnogi.
