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A chance to make a difference
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Although this year’s appeal will not be officially launched until later this month, the work of maximising what can be raised has already begun, but with the sights set higher than ever, a great deal remains to be achieved.
Channel 103, who together with the Island’s Rotary Clubs, the Round Table, the Lions Club, the Soroptimists and this newspaper organise the appeal, have already set the ball rolling by raising £2,500 through their Biggest Ever Car Boot Sale, but many other activities are planned for this month and next.
It is highly likely that Islanders will respond with their customary generosity – which always comes to the fore at this time of year – but there are special reasons why those who are well off should dig deeper than ever into their pockets.
Economically, these are the toughest conditions that the Island has had to endure for decades, and although this remains a prosperous place there is no doubt that many people are feeling the pinch. To be short of money is hard at any time of the year, but it is especially daunting and depressing when all around other people are enjoying Christmas plenty.
Last year the appeal raised more than £110,000 and distributed 454 food hampers, 1,070 grocery vouchers, 1,408 fuel vouchers and 975 toy vouchers to 1,500 needy families. These totals will, in all probability be exceeded this year.
Those who give should bear in mind that dropping cash into collecting buckets is only one of the many ways in which contributions can be made. Offices, clubs and even individuals can, for example, arrange fund-raising activities and events and it is open to anyone to offer lots for the Channel 103 auction, one of the centrepieces of the appeal.
The donation of a few pounds – and in some cases many pounds – will make very little impact on the great many Islanders who continue to enjoy prosperity and scarcely have to think twice before buying gifts or putting food on the table.
Those donations, however, can be counted upon to make all the difference to those for whom Christmas can be an occasion to be dreaded rather than a holiday to be relished.
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