Pin the donkey to raise cash for Covid-19 charity appeal

‘GUERNSEY TOGETHER’ pin badges are available across the island to raise money for the Covid-19 Community Charity Appeal.

Polygon Collective has launched an island-wide fundraising initiative to help fundraising efforts for the COVID-19 Community Charity Appeal. Left to right: Chair of the Social Investment Fund Jurat Stephen Jones OBE, Polygon Collective Chairman Martin Belcher, Deputy Gavin St Pier, Deputy Heidi Soulsby and director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28513429)

Launched by Polygon Collective, 10,000 UK-manufactured badges are on sale for £3 each from key sites and events.

A presentation of the pins was held yesterday with Dr Nicola Brink, deputies Heidi Soulsby and Gavin St Pier, alongside Social Investment Fund chair Jurat Stephen Jones and Polygon chairman Martin Belcher.

Mr Belcher said while the Bailiwick has been Covid-free since May, the charities helping our community must not be forgotten.

‘This initiative is set out do to exactly that – to help revive fundraising efforts to benefit Guernsey charities and third sector during these difficult times.’

It is hoped that £25,000 will be raised in two months, accounting for the 50p manufacturing cost.

Mr Belcher said it may be ambitious, but from previous experience raising charity funds he knows the ups and downs.

All funds will be split between the SIF and Guernsey Rugby Club, which is helping with pin distribution.

Picture by Sophie Rabey. 27-07-20. Polygon Collective has launched an island-wide fundraising initiative to help fundraising efforts for the COVID-19 Community Charity Appeal. All funds will directly benefit the Bailiwick of Guernsey Social Investment Fund (SIF), who manage the COVID-19 Community Charity Appeal, and the Guernsey Rugby Club..The GuernseyTogether pin badges are going to be on sale across the island.. (28513431)

‘GRC desperately need funding, and usually bring in a lot of revenue to Guernsey. Rugby members will be holding buckets at Waitrose, Alliance, Co-ops, the High Street, restaurants, and churches.’

Polygon launched a mirrored initiative in Jersey to support the charity community hub Beresford Street Kitchen, which was said to offer some healthy competition.

Jurat Jones expressed gratitude to Polygon for making this happen: ‘The same wonderful “Guernsey Together” spirit that pulled us out of lockdown can now directly make a positive impact by helping Bailiwick charities revive during these difficult times.’

Using public and private funds the SIF, which co-ordinates the appeal, invests in charitable and third sector work to allow efficient management through a States partnership.

As of Monday over £383,000 was raised for the SIF, which would be matched pound for pound by the States to total £766,000.

Details of where the funds will go and a thank you to the donors will feature in Friday’s Guernsey Press.

If you would like to help in the sale or stocking of the charity pins, call 741050.

Visit polygon-group.co for more information.