ISLANDERS are being encouraged to rethink their festive giving this Christmas by supporting local charities instead of buying gifts that may go unused.
The new campaign from the Association of Jersey Charities has been launched as charities struggle with rising demand, higher costs and reduced donations due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
A recent survey by the association revealed that 96% of its members were experiencing or expecting increased operating costs, while 78% expect reduced fundraising income.
At the same time, 45% of charities have reported or expect greater demand for their services, with 61% resorting to using their reserves to cover rising costs.
The association cited research that shows that the average UK household spends nearly £300 on Christmas gifts. They said that if just 10% of this amount were donated by Jersey households, it could raise almost £1.5 million for local charities.
To inspire people to “give differently”, the association will share daily ideas on its social-media channels throughout the holiday season.
Suggestions include adopting a family charity, buying charity Christmas cards or shopping at local charity shops.
The association has also launched a “The Best Gift” button on its website, allowing users to donate directly to specific charities or to the association itself, which supports a wide range of Jersey-based organisations.
Association chair Marcus Liddiard said: “Christmas is a time of goodwill and this year we are urging islanders to ‘give differently’, by thinking about the need for more gifts and discussing with family and friends the idea of making a donation to charity instead, or doing their shopping at one of the many great charity shops in Jersey.
“They will also be doing their bit for the environment by reducing the accumulation of yet more ‘stuff’ that ultimately needs to be disposed of.
“There are so many ways Islanders can support charities and our hope is that, through our campaign this advent and through our online donation tool, people will be inspired to support our charities and give them the best gift possible.”
