To mark International Day of Charity, Skipton International is celebrating a major community milestone with nearly £380,000 donated through its Community Fund to charities across the Channel Islands since 2018.
From accessible outdoor adventures in Guernsey to memory-making projects in Jersey, the Skipton Community Fund has enabled over 80 small charities and not-for-profit organisations to deliver meaningful, locally driven change.
Established in 2018, the Fund was created to support community-led initiatives in Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark, with grants of up to £5,000 available per project. Many of the supported initiatives are volunteer-led and focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and social connection.
Dani Barnett, Chair of the Skipton Community Fund, said: “On International Day of Charity, I’m especially proud of what the Skipton Community Fund has achieved across the Channel Islands. It’s the small, heartfelt initiatives, from sensory gardens to pop-up cafés, which help to knit our communities together. Each grant helps turn great ideas into real outcomes that improve lives across our islands.”
Among the wide range of beneficiaries are local charities making a profound impact.
Philippa Stahelin, Executive Director of Headway Guernsey, said: “We are so delighted that Skipton International are supporting our Headway garden project. Every year we support our members garden group, planting, tending and enjoying the fruits of their labours in a social environment where they can just be themselves. It’s a wonderful space and hugely beneficial for all those involved. We are looking forward to a bumper harvest this year with Skipton’s help!”
Stephanie Porter from the Guernsey Mountaineering Club said: “The donation we have received means we can keep up to date with the latest training for our leaders and the equipment needed. Perhaps more importantly, we can keep the cost of the session affordable, making it accessible to everyone. We are keen to be an inclusive club and want to give everyone who wants to climb the opportunity.”
Amanda Christian, Charitable Services Administrator at Autism Jersey, said: “We are extremely grateful to Skipton International for their wonderful donation to the Valley Adventure Project. Support like this enables us to provide vital services for autistic individuals and their families in Jersey, from family days and sailing trips to counselling and peer support. Contributions like this truly make a difference.”
Michelle Benest, Health Care Assistant at Jersey Hospice Care, said: “We’re so grateful to Skipton International for helping to fund this amazing project. The memory frames are really important to our patients and their loved ones, giving them an opportunity to create a special memory together. It’s something that families can hold on to, and they can look back and remember all of those special moments we have the honour of helping to make happen, thanks to their generosity.”
Acorn Fundraising Manager Caroline Spencer commented: “We are very grateful for the support of Skipton Community Fund for supporting our project. Investment in equipment and resources like this is vital for our social firm to keep operating. We are proud to turn a waste product into something practical and purposeful, which in turn generates an income.”
Main mage credit: Headway Guernsey
