05 April 2011
The royal couple have asked to receive donations in support of their preferred charities, in place of more traditional wedding gifts.
With the approval of the Royal Household concerned, it has been agreed that, rather than being in aid of the various United Kingdom charities specified by Prince William and Miss Middleton, the appeal will be in support of 3 Jersey charities which meet the charitable themes chosen by the royal couple. These 3 local charities are as follows:
- Holidays for Heroes Jersey
- Brighter Futures
- Jersey Association of Carers Incorporated
The Council of Ministers has agreed to start the appeal by making a donation of £6,000 on behalf of the States and the Island will also mark the royal wedding by presenting His Royal Highness and Miss Middleton with a miniature silver replica Jersey 'bachin' which will be engraved with the following inscription: “Presented by the States and people of Jersey to His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton on the occasion of their marriage on 29th April 2011.”
Announcing the creation of the appeal, the Bailiff said: “The Island has enjoyed a very close relationship with the British Monarchy for hundreds of years and it will be very uplifting to witness the special occasion of the marriage of HRH Prince William and Miss Middleton on 29th April.
"This appeal is directly borne out of the royal couple’s wish to benefit charitable organisations which support in particular military service organisations, young people in our community and the elderly. Each of the Jersey charities chosen reflects one of these 3 areas. The Island can be justly proud of its record of supporting the voluntary services sector, whether by undertaking voluntary work or by supporting charities financially. The launch of this appeal to mark the royal wedding will further benefit those who rely heavily on the generosity of others for support and care. I hope Islanders will feel able to make a donation to this unique appeal which has been established in celebration of this special royal occasion.”
Chosen charities
Holidays for Heroes Jersey
Supporting the appeal, Mr Richard Woodhouse, chairman of Holiday for Heroes Jersey, said: “Holidays for Heroes Jersey provides a week's holiday in Jersey, including travel costs and half-board hotel accommodation, for past or present members of the armed forces, injured in mind or body whilst on active duty. We include the hero's partner / carer and in some cases, their young children. Holidays for Heroes Jersey is thrilled and honoured to be chosen to be one of three local charities to benefit from the Royal Wedding Jersey Charity Appeal. By the time of the royal wedding, we will have had the privilege of providing more than 400 holidays in our beautiful Island since the charity's launch on 28th August 2008. To be nominated is a wonderful recognition of the support we have received from the people of Jersey.”
Brighter Futures
Mrs Wendy Hurford, president of Brighter Futures, said: “Brighter Futures works with about 150 vulnerable families in Jersey each week in order to give children and young people a safe haven and secure environment in which to grow whilst empowering the family to be safe, healthy, happy and aspirational. Brighter Futures is delighted to be a beneficiary of the Royal Wedding Jersey Charity Appeal. The charity hopes that as it tries to help build brighter futures for Jersey families, the royal couple will start on their own journey to a very bright future.”
Jersey Association of Carers Incorporated
Dr Margaret Bayes, chairman of Jersey Association of Carers Incorporated, said: “The Jersey Association for Carers Incorporated represents an estimated 5,000 unpaid carers in the Island providing care at home to sick, frail, disabled and elderly people, within the family and community, enabling them to remain in their own home. We are touched by the kindness of this young couple celebrating their wedding and thinking of giving support, both financial and by raising awareness, to these families. This will make a fantastic difference to our efforts, especially to expand the carers centre which is the focus for supporting the carers. We would like to wish them a lovely wedding day and a long and happy marriage.”
How to donate to the appeal
You can donate to the Royal Wedding Jersey Charity Appeal in a number of ways.
How to donate to the Royal Wedding Jersey Charity Appeal
gov.je