First charities receive grants from appeal

The SIF was formed to support charities that had lost income over the last few months as fundraising opportunities diminished.

The fund’s chairman, Jurat Stephen Jones, said the fund had selected four charities from initial applications – Bright Beginnings, The Lihou Trust, Les Cotils and the Stay Connected project, with more to follow shortly.

‘Each of these charities and projects meets the aims of our appeal, which is to support those who are actively helping to respond to the pandemic, or who have found funding for their essential services severely restricted because of it,’ he said.

‘We have received several applications from charities and will be awarding more grants very soon.

‘And of course, we’re still welcoming donations to the appeal, which has now raised more than £144,000. The more donations we receive, the better we are able to assist those charities supporting our Bailiwick community.’

Bright Beginnings, which operates a nursery and provides support for children and carers during their formative early years, will be the recipient of the largest donation of £8,624 to contribute to key worker salaries.

The Lihou Charitable Trust will receive a grant of £7,000 to contribute to the salary of the warden.

The trust, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for children and adults, has had to cancel planned stays on the island and has therefore seen a significant drop in its normal income.

Les Cotils will receive a £5,000 grant to help fund its Food for Families Project, which has supported 80 families through deliveries of home cooked meals during lockdown. The grant will be used to buy food for the project.

The other £5,000 will be donated to the Stay Connected project, which has partnered with businesses and third sector organisations to provide devices and data for older islanders and individuals with underlying health conditions who are shielding or self-isolating.

. To find out how to donate, visit covid19.gov.gg/support/appeals.

. Charities can apply for funding by emailing Sadie.SiviterdePaucar@gov.gg.