A 'Sarnia sarnie' to help Jersey

Friday 16 December 2022

If you're passing Trinity Square today you can buy a coffee or a 'Sarnia sarnie' and make a donation to those affected by the two recent tragedies in Jersey.

The owner of Addison's - which sells a variety of hot and cold snacks as well as drinks - has decided to collect money today after feeling affected by the wave of grief in our sister island.

Emma Rhodes said they just "wanted to do something for the families in Jersey affected by both of the incidents last week".

The first tragedy to hit the island was the maritime collision last Thursday which left three fishermen missing. Two bodies have been recovered from the wreck of the L'ecume II and the search is continuing for the third man and information which may explain what caused the early morning collision with the Commodore Goodwill.

The second tragedy saw nine people lose their lives in an explosion in St Helier.

The building they all lived in exploded early on Saturday morning displacing hundreds of other people during the initial search and rescue mission.

Ms Rhodes said her thoughts and the thoughts of her staff and customers have been with all of the victims and their loved ones all week.

"So this Friday, any coffee ordered, we will be asking for a donation towards the Jersey Appeal," she explained.

"Even though this has happened in Jersey we want them to know that we are standing side by side with them."

Ms Rhodes asked any customers who may not usually go in on a Friday to be patient as there will only be herself and her employee Reece behind the counter.

"All money raised during (today) will be sent to Jersey to help the families who have been affected by the two horrendous incidents over the last week.

"As it is a Friday and it’s just myself and Reece, we expect to be busy with said coffees… so please bear with us…" she asked.

The Jersey Appeal has been set up by the island's Bailiff.

Timothy Le Cocq says the money raised through it will support people affected by the tragic events in Jersey over the last week.

Lasting until 23 December, the appeal will help those affected by the Pier Road explosion this weekend, as well as the loved ones of the fishermen lost when their trawler collided with the freight ship last week.

Picture: Skipper Michael Michieli who was lost at sea last week and Jersey's Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq.

Among those who have already donated to the appeal fund was a man called Richard Page who had himself raised £900 through a JustGiving page he set up earlier in the week. 

The Lions Club of Jersey has donated £5,000 to the Bailiff's fund and it asked anyone in need of help in the community to get in touch.

People in Jersey have donated a variety of goods including clothes and toiletries as well as food to support those displaced by the explosion.

That support is continuing across the island alongside the growing number of donations to the Jersey Appeal.