A CHARITY which offers refuge to women victims of domestic abuse was delighted to receive toys from Wilson Tool International.

Helen Armitage and Faith Werritt presented bags full to the brim with toys to Karen Jacklyn, of Swindon Women’s Aid, after company staff at South Marston raised £520 for the cause.

Karen said: “This generosity is overwhelming – it restores my faith in humanity and it’s very much appreciated.

“These donations will go a long way to ensure that children have a lovely Christmas.

“These toys will put a smile on so many faces, and that’s the main thing, they deserve them.”

Swindon Women’s Aid provides emergency accommodation for women in abusive relationships and has an outreach service to support male and female victims of domestic abuse.

Their clients have children ranging from as young as three months up to 17 years of age.

Karen volunteered at the charity for four years before being working there on a part-time basis.

She added: “Some stay here for a couple of days, other stay for a couple of months, until they are ready to go back into the community and we help them move on.

“This job is a double-edged sword, you see both the good and bad in humanity.

“We see lots of women who are down and out and at the end of their tether because of what they’ve been through, then at this time of year we see the generous side of people.

“Christmas is still quite a busy time of year for us.”

Helen, of Wilson Tool International, said: “Our employees were really generous this year and this is a great charity to support.

“We bought a selection of different toys for a variety of ages and genders so that everyone can have a nice Christmas.”