Mr Kirch’s gesture was hugely popular with nearly 9,000 senior citizens who collected £100 worth of vouchers from parish halls. The vouchers were redeemable at CI Traders Group stores Le Riche, Marks & Spencer and Safeway. The businesses wanted to support the generous spirit in which the gift was made and the group has decided to return all of the ‘gross margin’ – the entire difference between the price paid by CI Traders for the goods and the price they were sold for – to Mr Kirch’s charitable trust. This will allow the Gouray Lodge Charitable Trust to fund further good works. CI Traders chief executive Martin Bralsford said the group joined with all Islanders in recognising and appreciating the philanthropic manner in which the gift was given. ‘Mr Kirch’s present to the over-70s reflected the true spirit of Christmas and CI Traders is very happy to continue that spirit by returning the additional contribution on the sales generated by the vouchers,’ he said. ‘This will enable Mr Kirch, through the Gouray Lodge Charitable Trust, to put the money to further good works and we are delighted to be able to support his generosity in this way.’
The Heart of Island Life
