Tinathon targets 15,000 donations to meet rising demand for shelter

Friday, 4 October 2024 11:00

Volunteers are organising and counting cans to the sound of local group performances

Every night in Jersey, 120 homeless people sleep in a bed provided by Shelter Trust which is facing increasing demand for its food bank services.

Today, the charity's 'Tinathon' donation appeal gives islanders a chance to contribute towards its services.

In the 15th year of the appeal, the Shelter Trust is aiming for 15,000 food-item donations.

Volunteers are helping organise and load donations

The team is calling on all islanders to bring along donations to West's Centre in St Helier until 2.30pm today (4 October).

Richard Robins, who runs the appeal, says they need donations now more than ever:

"We need the support of our community. With your support, we can continue to provide much-needed help to those who need it most."

Over 100,000 meals were served by Shelter Trust in 2023 - at least 270 meals each day, costing more than £80,000.

Richard said: "(The tins) are also very useful for making up food parcels. More and more recently we've been getting people coming to us asking for food parcels. Tins of food make up a good part of those.

"We've had a great response so far and we know there's more to come."

The appeal had counted 5,000 tins by 10.00 am

Islanders are invited down to West's Centre, where there is entertainment throughout the day, and businesses and schools dropping off their donations.

They have enjoyed a choir performance from Victoria College Prep who also donated 300 tins.

Performance by Victoria College Prep