Channel 103 will be hosting the live event, presented by Fiona Walker and Peter Mac, on Sunday 6 December. Online bidding is due to start the week before and full listings will appear in the Jersey Evening Post on Saturday 5 December.
Mrs Walker said: ‘We know that this year’s auction is going to be a challenge. With the effects of Covid-19, many businesses may find it difficult to support us, but at the same time, many more families are likely to need our help.
‘We hope that some Islanders who are lucky enough not to be relying on their £100 vouchers may consider using them to buy a lot for donation to the auction. We are also appealing to those businesses in the Island that have been fortunate enough to enjoy a good trading year to consider giving something back to the local community, via the charity auction in aid of the Jersey Christmas Appeal.’
Islanders can help the appeal in a number of ways:
- Donate a lot for auction. Donations must be brand new – unused and in wrapping – and if electrical or similar, with guarantee.
- Make a financial donation.
- Use their £100 Spend Local vouchers to purchase something for the auction. Many businesses are offering enhanced value on the local cards, so this would help both the local economy and the charity.
- Sponsor a lot. The Jersey Christmas Appeal team are able to make up a package for auction at various price points.
- Take part in ‘Pledge a Wedge’. This begins as a weekend city break, but as £10 wedges are pledged the prize fund increases, so the holiday can be enhanced in length and attractiveness.
In previous years there have been 200 lots at the auction, including a day out with the Red Arrows, afternoon tea at Government House, and a flight in a biplane, as well as meals, racetrack days, football tickets, overnight stays, beauty treatments and more.
Last year, £60,000 was raised through the auction and ‘Pledge a Wedge’. All proceeds went towards supporting local families, the elderly, and those in financial need throughout the Christmas season. The appeal team have emphasised that this year it has been particularly challenging to source some luxury and more unusual lots, which are crucial to the success of the auction.
‘Although we are hoping for around 200 lots again this year, that will be entirely dependent on how much support we get,’ said Mrs Walker.
‘Our success depends entirely on the generosity of the Jersey people. This year, more than ever before, we need that support to help families who are likely to have had an extremely difficult year and desperately need a helping hand through the festive season and beyond.’
Anyone able to support the appeal can contact Fiona via her email: fionawalkerjsy@gmail.com.
