Three HSBC employees have shaved their heads over Zoom for local charities in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man to help islanders during the Covid-19 period – resulting in a trio of mohawks.
It is part of the ongoing efforts HSBC has been making to support the Salvation Army in Jersey, Guernsey Welfare Service Foodbank and the Isle of Man Food Bank throughout the Covid-19 period. By doing so, the Bank has already provided more than 1000 food parcels across the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Ali Bond, Chief Administration Officer, Cameron Senior, Head of Distribution, and Ciaran Devereux, Business Steering Manager, all Jersey-based in Wealth and Personal Banking, put themselves forward for the challenge and exceeded their target of £5k raising £7,500. Made up of £6k from staff donations and an additional £1,500 from HSBC’s scheme to boost funds raised by colleagues, the amount will be shared equally between all three charities.
In March, HSBC made a global fund available to support the international medical response to the COVID-19 spread, protect vulnerable people and ensure food security around the world. This formed part of the Channel Island charitable donations with additional funding from HSBC in the islands.
Commenting the head-shave fund raiser, Richard Nunn, Corps Officer, The Salvation Army, Jersey said:
“As we coordinate the Jersey Food Bank, we have seen so many people come to us who would never have thought they might need to ask for help from a food bank. In these difficult times where so many are struggling, we have also seen a huge spirit of generosity and compassion growing across our island community. Donations such as this support from HSBC have been vital, enabling us to source food and household essentials that are going to those who need it. We at The Salvation Army want to say a huge “thank you” to all our supporters and partners, and particularly HSBC who have engaged with us and supported us so much in recent weeks.”
Sue Le Friec, Guernsey Welfare Service Co-Ordinator, also said:
” Guernsey Welfare is delighted to receive the support of HSBC staff in what can only be described as a brave act when no hairdressers are open to rescue their efforts! These funds will help us to continue to support those whose income stream and lives have been affected by the coronavirus and we are very appreciative. We would continue to urge those who are in need of help to contact us at this time.”
Ali commented on the experience: “When we all went into lockdown it was really important to stay connected with our colleagues but more importantly to support the island communities and making sure everyone has access to food and basic necessities through the food banks.
“Shaving our heads gave our colleagues something to smile about as we all try to adapt to the current environment.” Cameron added.
Ciaran, whose brother shaved his hair, also admitted: “It was quite painful and then having your colleagues watching at the same time was interesting. I certainly look forward to seeing my hairdresser again”.
