Guernsey’s Football Family Thanks Islanders for Making Christmas Campaign a Success
Aimee Ogier, Guernsey FA; Hayley Vance, Victoria Park; Charlton Gauvain, Guernsey FC; Brandon Wallace, Aztech Soccer; Ross Allen, Guernsey FA; Jacques Cauvin, Guernsey FC.
Victoria Park, Guernsey FA, Guernsey FC and Aztech Soccer would like to say a massive thank you to islanders who generously donated food and footy kit to help make the first Victoria Park Food & Kit Bank scheme a huge success.
Launched at the end of November and running until Monday 8 December, the food and kit collection scheme’s aim was to support the local community and those in need overseas this Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, Guernsey’s football family was able to produce 86 food hampers to support families in need this Christmas, while six bin loads of boots and football kit were collected to support the local football community and those further afield.
Working alongside the States of Guernsey, all food donations will now be distributed to local families this December, while any boots received will be donated to local schools and clubs. All kit collected will directly benefit Friends of Romania, an overseas charity that distributes humanitarian aid to those in need in the country
Hayley Vance, Victoria Park Events Co-Ordinator and Campaign Manager, said: “We’re thrilled with how well the initiative has gone, especially as it’s been our first year of doing it collectively. “The success of this scheme shows the true spirit of our island community, and we’ve been truly overwhelmed with the support we’ve received. From local clubs and school groups to the general public, it’s been fantastic to see everyone joining forces, and we’re pleased that these efforts will make a real difference to those in need this Christmas.”
A States of Guernsey Family Support Services spokesperson said: “We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some islanders, so these hampers will make a big difference. We’re really grateful to everyone who donated and also to the football family for working so hard to make this happen – thank you.”
Wilf and Patricia Holland, from Friends of Romania, said: “We wish to thank all those who generously donated football kits. This is greatly appreciated because in our area of work, there are many football teams, and the purchase of such items at times can be difficult for individuals. We know they will be well used! ‘Craciun Fericit’, or ‘Merry Christmas, as our Romanian friends would say.”
