On average, 1,500 individuals or families are helped each year.
The Appeal gives out approximately:
- 250 hampers
- 1,250 food vouchers
- 1,300 fuel vouchers
- 1,000 toy vouchers[/breakout]
The 7½-hour fundraiser will be taking place for the 32nd year on Sunday 6 December, raising money, as ever, for the Jersey Christmas Appeal.
Broadcast on BBC Radio Jersey, the auction last year raised £35,000 – more than double the amount made the previous year.
More than 150 eclectic lots donated by Islanders as well as local and national businesses went under the hammer.
Fiona Walker, one of the co-ordinators of the long-running annual fundraiser, said that she hoped Islanders would give the event their support once again.
‘This is a chance to get your hands on some money-can’t-buy experiences, and all the money raised stays in Jersey,’ she said.
‘The Christmas Appeal is not a high-profile, sexy charity, but it really is fundamental to a lot of people.
‘It helps to give many Islanders the sort of Christmas that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to have.
‘It really takes the pressure off Christmas for those who are less fortunate and enables them to have a good Christmas too.’
Find out more about the charity here
As well as the traditional auction, there is also a chance for listeners to ‘Pledge Your Wedge’ throughout the day, by phoning to pledge a financial donation to the appeal.
People will receive one entry into a draw to win a holiday to a mystery destination for every £10 they donate.
Last year the auction and Pledge Your Wedge raised a combined total of £30,301, with an anonymous benefactor rounding that amount up to £35,000 at the end of the day.
- A day with the Red Arrows
- A chance to name a character in a Jack Higgins novel
- A racing suit donated by Derek Warwick
- Breakfast with the Chief Minister
- A Co-Op supermarket dash
‘We won’t have that donation again this year, so we are hoping to raise £30,000,’ said Mrs Walker.
‘But we know times are hard, so we would be happy with £25,000.
‘We’ve had a letter from Prince Charles saying he’s sending over a hamper, so we’re over the moon to get the royal endorsement this year.’
The auction will be broadcast on BBC Radio Jersey between 9 am and 4.30 pm, co-hosted by Mrs Walker, a former BBC broadcaster, and current presenter Charlie McArdle.
Pensioners
Many pensioners live alone and struggle to make ends meet. Jersey Christmas Appeal vouchers bring financial relief, and the fact that somebody cares lifts their spirits at Christmas.
The neglected child
A grandmother is legally responsible for a young child who has been neglected. Her husband is on a zero hours contract and always runs short of work around Christmas. A Jersey Christmas Appeal voucher is her only means of buying her grandson a toy at Christmas.
The single-parent home
Dad has left home, leaving Mum to look after the children. She goes out to work but only just manages to make ends meet. Jersey Christmas Appeal vouchers are a godsend and really brighten up their Christmas.
Low income homes
