Generous Guernsey Islanders have donated over £20,000 to-date to support UNICEF’s ‘Give the World a shot’ VaccinAid campaign, helping to deliver the biggest vaccine drive in history to the poorer people of the world.
The donations have ranged from £5 to an incredible anonymous donation of £5,000.
Individuals and groups have stepped forward to help the cause. The staff of Guernsey Post raised £274 from a bake-off competition and La Houguette School Rights Respecting Club raised £54 by selling badges. The Terrace Garden Café has also organised a live music event for Saturday 21st August, featuring The Vinyls, postponed from 24th July due to bad weather.
Deputy Chris Blin, President of the Commission, said: “I am so encouraged by the support that UNICEF and the Commission have received and I would especially like to thank the groups and businesses that have got involved. Less than £3.00 provides the two vaccine doses needed to protect one individual, so Guernsey Post and La Houguette School’s separate efforts have jointly vaccinated more than 120 people in poorer countries and possibly saved lives.
“I would like to invite other individuals, groups and businesses to follow this example and help support the cause. Fundraisers can register their events on the dedicated Guernsey VaccinAid website or simply donate the proceeds they have raised.
“I believe that as the UK Government paid for everyone’s vaccine doses in Guernsey and the other Islands, we have an opportunity to ‘pay this forward’ to poorer countries. The Bailiwick has benefited from the UK’s vaccine rollout so we in turn should do our bit for the poorer people of the world in the spirit of Guernsey Together.”
Islanders who wish to support the campaign can make their donations and register their events here. The money raised will be used by UNICEF, the only organisation present in all countries participating in COVAX and which has an established global supply chain network. COVAX is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines
