Representatives of three Welsh charities dedicated to supporting children visited Pembroke Refinery recently to each receive a major donation from Valero Energy Ltd, following the company’s second annual Benefit for Children Golf Classic tournament.

This year’s event was held at The Belfry, the world famous Ryder Cup course in Warwickshire, with 144 golfers playing across two courses. Both courses took just over four hours to complete playing a four-ball ‘Texas scramble’ format.

With donations raised from numerous company sponsors, including premier sponsor Nalco Champion, the overall total collected for the various charities was an astounding £103,000. The proceeds were shared by two charities chosen by the refinery – T? Hafan and the Pembrokeshire Sibling Group – and two chosen by Valero’s London office – Richard House and Community Link, with a fifth charity – LATCH, the Welsh children’s cancer charity – chosen by Nalco Champion.

Presenting each charity with a cheque for £20,600, Valero Vice President and Refinery General Manager Ed Tomp, said, “The Benefit for Children Golf Classic is a prestigious golfing event organised by Valero that aims to raise much needed funds to support children in the communities in which we live and work. This year’s result of over £100,000 for these incredibly deserving charities was an astounding achievement, and the positive impact these donations will have for children across Wales is something we at Valero are very proud of. We look forward to repeating this success next year when the 2016 Benefit for Children Golf Classic will be hosted at the Celtic Manor Resort.”

Shelley Kirkham from T? Hafan, the hospice for children in Wales, said, “It was such a pleasure to take part in this year’s Valero Benefit for Children event, and everyone at T? Hafan is amazed with this wonderful result, which will go so far towards supporting the children and their families who use our vital palliative care services.”

Wyn Davies from LATCH the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, said, “We are so thankful to Valero and Nalco Champion for involving us in this year’s Golf Classic at The Belfry. The welcome given to LATCH was fantastic, and this phenomenal amount of money will be used to such good effect to help children and their families when they need it most.”

Graham Morgan from the Pembrokeshire Sibling Group, said, “The work done by the Pembrokeshire Sibling Group to support the siblings of children with additional needs has been given such a fantastic boost by this donation. We are very pleased indeed with this donation from Valero.”