Funding plea for light repairs

Monday 21 November 2022

Days before the Christmas lights are switched on in town, a fresh appeal for donations has been made to "support the redevelopment of St Peter Port’s wire supports, fixings and power supplies".

The St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity is launching a new fundraising campaign with Jumpman Gaming to do that.

It already fundraises each year to cover the cost of putting up, powering and maintaining the lights.

Now, due to the extent of the work needed, it says it needs additional funds to restore St Peter Port’s wire supports, fixings and power supplies which all make up the infrastructure that facilitates each year’s display.

The Christmas Lights charity says to do this it needs to raise £25,000 over the next 3 years.

To kickstart the new fundraising campaign, Jumpman Gaming has donated £2,000.

Pictured: St Peter Port lit up in previous years.

Jax Robin, Acting Chair and Trustee of the charity, said: "Every year we aim to raise £36,000 to enjoy the lights in our streets around the festive period. This year we have a greater challenge to raise an additional £25,000 over the next three years, to restore the infrastructure that supports the display. These important works will ensure that future displays are safe for the community. 

"We would like to thank Jumpman Gaming for kicking off the infrastructure fundraising. Upkeep of the infrastructure has been traditionally involved with our annual fundraising activity however, due to the amount of development needed for this year’s display, we have decided to set up a dedicated fundraising campaign. Thankfully, Jumpman Gaming’s donation has allowed us to begin work ahead of the 2022 display."

Jumpman Gaming’s donation will directly be used to support infrastructure changes in the Old Quarter, Mill Street, Mansell Street and Contree Mansell.

This area had been placed at the top of the priority list for repairs, following a recent maintenance report. The work to start the rejuvenation programme has now started here as a matter of urgency.

Kris Kukula, Managing Director at Jumpman Gaming, said: "The St Peter Port Christmas lights are enjoyed by everyone who travels into town during the festive season. It’s crucial that this staple celebration in Guernsey’s calendar is safe for years to come. We’re delighted our donation can make a small step in securing this fantastic display."

Pictured: Guernsey Post helps with fundraising for the lights through an envelope drop each year.

The charity fundraises through sales of festive items as well as through donations from the public.

This year it is selling Christmas napkins, aprons, Christmas cards and cushions. It held a quiz last weekend and has a table at yesterday's Round Table Christmas Charities Fayre at Beau Sejour. 

More information on this year’s display, details on how to donate and contact details for the charity can be found on their website HERE.

Pictured top: Kris Kukula, Managing Director of Jumpman Gaming, and Jax Robin, Acting Chair and Trustee of St Peter Port Christmas Light charity.