Children’s charities will benefit from the success of Jersey Development Company’s winter ice rink.
‘Jersey on Ice’ was sited at the Weighbridge from Friday 17 November 2023 through to Sunday 18 February 2024 and welcomed more than 45,000 skaters over the winter period. As part of Jersey Development Company’s (JDC) community commitment, five local children’s charities will share £20,000 raised by allocating 50 pence from every full priced ticket sale.
The five charities chosen to receive a sum of £4,000 each are: Brightly, Brighter Futures, Centrepoint, The Lowe Legacy Fund and Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Lee Henry, CEO of Jersey Development Company (JDC) said: “Organising and funding the Ice Rink at the Weighbridge was a commitment we made to benefit the community over the winter months due to the limited all-weather activities for Islanders. We were delighted the ice rink proved so popular and we were also pleased to be able to offer free admission to all primary schools and half-price tickets to Secondary schools.
“In support of children’s charities, ten organisations participated in three dedicated complimentary sessions. We aimed to make the rink as inclusive as possible for all Islanders. We trust that the extra donation to the five children’s charities will contribute to making a positive impact in our community.”
Jan Moy CEO of Centrepoint said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and beyond grateful to Jersey Development Company for their amazing donation! Thanks to their generosity, the Children at Centrepoint had a great time at the ice skating sessions, and now we have an amazing donation from the Jersey Development Company to keep doing what we do best – helping the amazing children at Centrepoint. Huge thanks for making such a big difference in their lives!”
Anna Terry CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, on behalf of The Lowe Legacy Fund said: “Initiatives like ‘Jersey on Ice’ provide a safe and engaging place for children and young people to come together in pursuit of fun.
“Jersey Community Foundation are delighted JDC have chosen to donate a portion of their revenues to The Lowe’s Legacy Fund, a Fund we are proud to manage on behalf of the family. The tragic deaths of Dean and his 11-year-old son, Charlie Lowe were a huge shock to our small Island. We hope that the good work done through the Lowe Legacy Fund will go some way to help our community heal – thank you JDC.”
Sarah Nibbs of Brighter Futures said: “Not only did many of our Brighter Futures families enjoy an evening of ice-skating courtesy of JDC earlier this year, we have now received a vital donation of £4,000, which will go a long way to supporting a family. It costs Brighter Futures £6,600 to support a family for one year, and we support more than 150 families per week at The Bridge.”
Wendy Nerac of Brightly said: “We are absolutely delighted to be one of the chosen charities. The donation is going to make a huge difference to the children and young people that we support who are under the care of the Children’s Service. We support up to 400 children and young people each year. We aim to help these youngsters to make an independent and fruitful life for themselves by providing financial support, material help, and services”.
Sandra Auckland, Chief Barker of Variety, the Children’s Charity of Jersey said: “It’s truly fantastic that JDC has considered Variety to be one of the charities to receive £4,000. This contribution will have a significant impact, especially given the challenges in fundraising nowadays.”
Pictured: Left to right – Wendy Nerac – Brightly; Judith Hanson – Brighter Futures; Lee Henry – JDC; Anna Terry – Jersey Community Foundation; Jane Moy – Centrepoint; Sandra Auckland – Variety the children’s charity and Graeme Fitchett – Centrepoint.
