March 09, 2022
By Edward Lewis

The Island’s emergency response charity, Jersey Side by Side, has launched a new online giving platform to support local fundraising efforts for Ukraine.

From today, working in partnership with the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal and Jersey Overseas Aid, the registered charity will coordinate and process monetary donations for the crisis. By making a donation to the appeal through the Jersey Side by Side website (www.sidebyside.je), Islanders can be assured that their money will go further. Donations made to Jersey Side by Side, a registered charity, are eligible for tax relief for donations of £50 or more, meaning that every £1 donated by Jersey taxpayers can be worth £1.25 to the appeal.

Jean le Maistre MBE, Founder and Vice-Chairman of Jersey Side by Side, commented: “As this humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, this appeal encourages Islanders to stand side by side with the people of Ukraine and support them in their hour of need. By using our online giving page, we can maximise the Island’s fundraising efforts as donations to Jersey Side by Side, a registered charity, are eligible for tax relief for donations of £50 or more. What this means is that every £1 donated by Jersey taxpayers can be worth £1.25 to the appeal, so Islanders’ generosity will go further to help those affected by the conflict.  By pledging money, as opposed to items, we can make sure that the right type of assistance reaches those who need it quickly and effectively.”

The Bailiff, Mr Timothy Le Cocq, recently said: “Islanders are generous people and already we have seen a tremendous outpouring of support for the people of Ukraine.  The Russian invasion of a peaceful European country and its horrifying use of indiscriminate force against civilians has shocked Jersey, which knows only too well the impact of Occupation. Islanders are already doing what they can to help the people of Ukraine, and this Fund will help direct their generosity to those who need it most.”

All donations received by the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal and Jersey Side by Side will be distributed by Jersey Overseas Aid, ensuring the funding reaches the people and places where it is needed most. Islanders will be able to see how their donations are being used to help those impacted the crisis by visiting www.joa.je/bailiffs-ukraine-appeal/.

Jersey’s Minister for International Development and Chair of the JOA Commission, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said: “There has already been an incredible response from Islanders to Ukraine, with clothing and monetary donations, in addition to the combined £1.36 million pledged by Jersey Overseas Aid and the Government of Jersey to date. I’d like to thank the volunteers and agencies who built this new website, which centralises Jersey’s fundraising efforts and makes it quicker and easier for Islanders to give their support. We will ensure that all funding received is directed to where it will have the most impact.”

A group of local charity professionals, digital agency Webreality and fundraising platform provider RaceNation gave their time and expertise to design and build the new website, which streamlines and maximises fundraising. Professionals from Digital Jersey are supporting with the Social Media campaign.

Islanders wishing to give to the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal should visit www.sidebyside.je  where they can make a secure online donation and find out more about how to volunteer for the charity and organise fundraising activities.

Islanders can scan this QR code which will take them directly to the donation page on www.sidebyside.je