By Fiona Walker
TWO years ago, we were preparing for the Charity Auction in the middle of a pandemic. After a poor year of trading, with businesses forced to close for several months, numerous job losses and reduced incomes for many Islanders, we had no idea whether anyone would be in a position to donate lots, let alone bid on them.
At the same time, we realised that the help the Christmas Appeal offers to local families would be more crucial than ever. We anticipated lower income and higher demand, not an easy situation to negotiate, and we couldn’t imagine a more difficult scenario.
And here we are two years down the line, with Covid no longer dominating our lives, and yet we still have a daunting challenge on our hands.
You’d have to have been in outer space for the last few weeks to be unaware of spiralling inflation, not only in Jersey but also the UK and further afield. Add into the mix problems with staff recruitment and the long-term effects of the pandemic, and you’ve got an unprecedented financial crisis on your hands, with more people than ever living on the breadline.
In just 24 months, an even more difficult scenario has come to pass.
Again, we set to work on the auction fearing the worst: that our donors would no longer be able to donate. And as happened two years ago, people have come forward from every corner of every parish to offer goods.
Despite our concerns, the 2020 Charity Auction in aid of the Jersey Christmas Appeal was our most successful fundraiser ever. Sponsors stepped up with donations to cover our costs or to match bids on high-value lots. Supporters contributed an amazing range of goods for auction and bidders fought over those lots, bidding far above their actual value in the knowledge that their payments would be going straight to the charity.
A hamper donated by Government House and valued at around £500 became the subject of a tug of war between two determined bidders. When one put a bid in, the other countered with a higher offer until, when the lot closed, the price had reached an incredible £2,500. A round of golf with Ian Woosnam and a flight in a Spitfire each contributed over £10k to the Christmas Appeal.
But it’s not all about big, expensive lots. Each year, we are determined to make the auction accessible to everyone, and we will always try to ensure that there is a vast range of affordable items within the listings. This year, for example, we have cupcakes, Christmas puds, dog food, swimming lessons, wine and beer, petrol vouchers, artwork, afternoon teas, toys – the list goes on and on.
Additionally, we always aim to put the fun into fundraising by including plenty of unusual activities, including candle-making, Jersey Wonder baking, gin creating, a silent disco on a bus, a family bouncefest, bee-keeping and beauty treatments.
The Charity Auction launched online today at jerseychristmasappeal.je, with most of our 200 lots ready to receive bids. It is very easy to take part: Simply go to the website and follow the instructions. You will be advised when your bid is accepted and again if you have been outbid.
The auction’s finale is set to be broadcast live on Channel 103 on Sunday 4 December from 9am. It is always an exhausting, exhilarating and incredible day of broadcasting, and with the range of exceptional lots we have on offer, this year should be no exception.
And some of those lots really are exceptional. I am humbled by the kindness of those who have contributed so generously to the 2022 Charity Auction. Our star lots this year include a week for eight people in a luxury villa in Barbados, seven days in an apartment in the stunning Swiss Alpine resort of Verbier, and the chance to spend next Christmas and New Year in a French chateau, along with your family or a group of friends.
And it does not end there – other incredible lots include a signed rear-wing flap from a McLaren F1 car, an aquamarine and diamond ring, and the chance to play golf with Ian Woosnam, name a character in a Peter James novel or enjoy a balloon flight.
Please, please have a look at the complete listing and bid whatever you can. The success of the Christmas Appeal depends in part on the success of the Charity Auction. And, for many families in Jersey, the success of Christmas depends on support from the appeal.
PS: If our hamper bidders are reading this, I’m happy to inform you that Government House has kindly donated another sumptuous selection of Christmas goodies…
