Christmas comes early as lights charity appeals for donations

Wednesday 02 May 2018

It may only be May, but The St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity is working with Guernsey Post and the Channel Islands Cooperative Society to raise funds now to ensure we see Christmas Lights in St Peter Port later this year.

This week posties are delivering donation envelopes to residents and businesses so those who want to can donate what they're able to, using the envelopes before dropping them into their nearest postbox or post office.

Dawn Gallienne, Head of Corporate Engagement at Guernsey Post said: "The response we had from our donation envelopes last year was phenomenal. It was heartening to see the local community really support this initiative with their generous donations which made a real difference and ensured the Christmas lights didn’t go out."

The funds raised reached a total of £45,000 by 1 September last year which covered the regular annual costs of the lights, as well as the replacement of the Smith Street infrastructure, new lights for the Commercial Arcade, refurbishment of eight old arrays and repairs/refurbishment of infrastructure to relight the Bordage and add to the display by extending into Quay Street which is planned for this year’s display. 

Jax Robin, Chair of the Christmas Lights Charity said: “We were heart warmed with all the support we received last year and thank everyone who donated. We are delighted to be working with Guernsey Post and The Co-Op again this year, and have a good start of £10k in the bank which will pay for new wires, maintenance repairs and some replacement lights to Mill, Mansell & Contree Mansell Streets, as well as much needed replacement and spare lights for Church Square and Smith Street, and to refurbish 3 arrays for Le Pollet.  To keep St Peter Port bright this Christmas we are looking for an additional £32k to ensure we can put this year’s lights up, continue to pay our storage rent and insurance premiums.”

Tanya Dorrity, Community Officer, Channel Islands Co-operative Society said: "We are thrilled to be working together again with both Guernsey Post and the St Peter Port Christmas Lights Appeal. The Christmas lights are so important for our local community, it is a project near and dear to all our hearts and we are delighted to support this important cause again. We would like to thank all our members who donated last year and this year we plan to build on 2017's success, helping to raise funds with a full range of events taking place between 21 and 27 May. Not only will there be fundraising buckets in stores throughout the week but on 22 and 23 May we will also have static bike cycling challenges, a Christmas jumper staff dress down day on 25 May and bag packing services in store on 26 May as well - all with the aim of supporting out local community and our Christmas lights for 2018."

Those interested in the charity can visit the website: www.christmaslights.gg to view their accounts for the past 12 months and diary dates for fundraising events. 

Pictured: Left to right: Dawn Gallienne, Jax Robin and Tanya Dorrity