Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands (LBFCI) has given £18,000 in emergency funding to the Salvation Army in Jersey for the provision of 200 care packages which will support the nutrition and wellbeing of at least 400 vulnerable people over a three-month period, in response to the Covid-19 crisis. The funding will also ensure the continued operation of The Salvation Army Headquarters, where the parcels will be assembled in accordance with current safety guidelines.
This is the first grant to be made from the LBFCI’s Covid-19 response fund of £250,000 which is being made available to eligible Jersey and Guernsey charities in addition to the Foundation’s regular grant programme.
Due to the current lockdown restrictions, businesses are having to close or pause activity affecting jobs and resulting in significantly reduced income. This has meant hardship for many. As ever in times of crisis, The Salvation Army has stepped in to support those in need. The number of packages required at short notice has rapidly drained their resources, leaving a funding gap which the Lloyds Bank Foundation has stepped in to fill.
Lieutenant Richard Nunn from the Salvation Army Jersey commented: “Jersey has a reputation of being an affluent Island; however, this uniquely difficult time has presented so many challenges: to business, employment, healthcare and education. There are many on our beautiful island now struggling financially, as well as a number of vulnerable people receiving reduced or no support, that desperately need food care packages in order to survive during this unsettling crisis. We are immensely grateful to the Foundation for their swift response to our funding needs and their recognition of the important role we are playing at this unprecedented time. If you or someone you know are struggling to afford food and household essentials, please get in contact with us on 01534 872270 to apply for a food parcel and access our support.”
Katie Le Quesne, Chair of Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands comments, “Because of the crisis, we understand charities like The Salvation Army will be more crucial than ever in supporting our Islands’ communities. They are serving on the front line, delivering essential services. Now is the time for those who can – funders, government and individuals – to step up and offer support. The Foundation’s emergency fund is in place and we urge eligible charities to apply for immediate help.”
LBFCI are working collaboratively with other Jersey funders to help streamline the application process for charities who are applying for emergency funding. Collectively, they have agreed to share information about funding requests and the needs identified in them, and to work closely with each other and the government to make sure that nobody falls into a gap and that funding is not wasted on duplication. This new partnership allows a single application to reach all the participating funders.
Eligible charities wanting to apply should send a summary of their needs to Jo Le Poidevin at [email protected]
