The Skipton Community Fund has donated £1000 to the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity fundraising appeal.

The appeal was launched at the start of February this year, shortly after the island went into lockdown. The appeal is raising money for St John’s community services, including first aid provision, youth work, the marine ambulance and Covid-19 response, all of which rely on charitable donations, sponsorship and corporate partnerships.

Chief Executive Officer Nikki Harrison said: “I’d like to thank the Skipton Community Fund for their support. Skipton was the first corporate body to come forward and donate to our fundraising campaign. Their quick response to our call for funds was fantastic and it is hugely appreciated. I’m delighted to say that since the Skipton Community Fund kicked off our fundraising, we have had now had a number of other local businesses make donations to support our work in Guernsey.”

“At the moment our focus is very much on providing our Covid-19 response and supporting those most in need during the current lockdown. A lot of our regular volunteers who normally volunteer as event first aiders have taken on important roles carrying out essential deliveries, cleaning ambulances as part of the decontamination team and acting as drivers for the vaccination centre transport scheme.  Once life returns to normal we will be looking to resume our normal youth work, event first aid cover and other routine services.”

Skipton International bank seeks to add value back to the communities in which it operates, across the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey through major sponsorships and supporting smaller good causes through the Skipton Community Fund.

Aaron Walden, Skipton’s Commercial Manager said: “The Skipton Community Fund are always looking at ways to support the local community and we are pleased to be able to assist St John with their fundraising. St John offer a wide range of services and rely entirely on charitable donations and corporate partnership. With the current lockdown restrictions stalling their fundraising efforts, we really do urge others to get involved and provide support where they can.”

The St John Ambulance Guernsey appeal is aiming to raise £100,000 to continue to improve the lives of islanders through the provision of Event First Aid, Community First Responders, the Flying Christine III marine ambulance, Badgers & Cadets, Community Library, Cycle Response Unit, Volunteer Ambulance Reserves and the Covid-19 Response, which includes the Caring Caller Scheme, essential food deliveries & medication collection service, Community Vaccination Centre transport, ambulance decontamination team.

Nikki Harrison added: “Our volunteers continue to be busy delivering the Covid-19 response services and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is volunteering with St John at the current time.”

Anyone wishing to donate to St John can do so by emailing fundraising@stjohn.gg or by calling 01481 727129. Donations can also be made online via https://giving.gg/donate/charity/54/St-John-Guernsey-LBG