ISLANDERS are being encouraged to support the Shelter Trust’s 18th annual Tinathon, which returns to West’s Centre on Friday.
The annual collection will take place from 8am to 2.30pm – the day before World Homeless Day.
The event will see schools, businesses, community groups and individuals collect tins and other non-perishable food to help support people using Shelter Trust services.
Twenty-one schools have confirmed they will take part, made up of 13 primary schools and eight secondary schools. School choirs and local groups will also provide live music during the morning.
Food collected during the event will be used to stock Shelter Trust’s kitchens and provide food parcels for Islanders in need.
The charity supports around 100 men, women and young adults in accommodation across seven sites each night.
Its wider services include emergency accommodation, dedicated services for women and young adults, outreach and day services, as well as aftercare and resettlement for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Shelter Trust director Josephine Scott said: “Tinathon is one of those days when you really see Jersey’s community spirit in action.
“A few tins might seem like a small contribution, but when schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the Island all get involved, it makes an enormous difference.”
She added that the event also helped highlight homelessness in Jersey, which was “not always visible”.
“With World Homeless Day taking place the following day, it is a timely reminder that homelessness exists here in our own community,” she said. “We’re enormously grateful to everyone who donates, volunteers or simply comes along to West’s Centre to show their support.”
The Tinathon is sponsored by LGT Wealth Management, which is supporting the event for a second year.
LGT Wealth Management chief executive Dan McAlister said: “We’re proud to sponsor Tinathon for a second year and support the vital work The Shelter Trust does for people experiencing homelessness in Jersey.
“Tinathon shows what our community can achieve together, and we hope Islanders will join us in supporting this important cause.”
Islanders can bring tins and other non-perishable food directly to West’s Centre on Friday, where Shelter Trust staff and volunteers will collect donations throughout the day.
Businesses are being encouraged to organise workplace collections, while schools and community organisations will also be gathering donations in the run-up to Tinathon.
Donations can also be made at Co-op Grand Marché in St Helier throughout October, while Waitrose, Alliance, M&S and Communicare will accept donations until 9 October.
