The Jersey Christmas Appeal, which was first launched by the JEP in 1897, distributes vouchers so that struggling Islanders can buy food, fuel and presents over the Christmas period.
On average, 1500 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]
Around 1,500 Islanders benefited from the appeal last year but it is expected that the number could rise dramatically as Jersey’s lowest earners have seen their income dwindle over the last five years.
It was revealed yesterday by the Jersey Household Income Distribution Report that the poorest 20 per cent of households in Jersey had seen their income decline by 17 per cent since 2010.
The Jersey Christmas Appeal is supported by several organisations in the Island including the two local Rotary clubs, the Soroptimists and the Round Table, as well BBC Radio Jersey and Channel 103.
One of the organisations where application forms for support can be filled out is Jersey Citizens Advice. Chief Executive Malcolm Ferey said that they had noticed a considerable increase in applicants this year.
He said: ‘There are definitely more applicants for the Jersey Christmas Appeal this year than I can remember. Already we have found that a huge amount of application forms have been received.
‘Each year it does seem to be getting bigger and the influx this year seems to be even earlier than ever before.
‘If Christmas is going to be a real struggle than people can apply for the Christmas Appeal, which will at least mean that they have a square meal, heating and toys that the children deserve.
‘But it needs to be directed to the right people. It’s a safety net for the small percentage of our community who are worse off at this time of year.’
He added: ‘There is definitely a number of people in relative poverty in the Island.’
A common theme of the Jersey Household Income Distribution Report was that housing costs were the biggest cause of relative low income, which is an international benchmark for being at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Mr Ferey said that housing issues had been the second largest area of complaint among the clients of Jersey Citizens Advice over the last five years.
He said: ‘Looking over the last five the years, most of the issues that we advise on are related to relationships, and then the next most frequent is housing issues.
‘But there has been some robust legislation put in place to protect tenants and we expect and would like to see in the coming years that the complaints will start trailing off.’
He added: ‘If anyone has difficulties or worries about their finances, Jersey Citizens Advice can offer all sorts of solutions such as financial planning and monitoring.’
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
