Jersey Islanders stand Side By Side with Ribeira Brava
The generous donations of more than £100,000 raised by Islanders under the auspices of Jersey Side By Side will be used to help elderly people in one of the areas worst hit by February's floods, it was announced today. The Side By Side project will provide accommodation for 14 elderly people whose homes were completely washed away by the floods. The funds raised in Jersey will be added to those raised by local people in Riberia Barava and money from the Madeiran government. The home will be funded in the long term by Madeira's social security department.
Check back soon for more details of the project and Jersey's magnificent and generous response. You can also read more at the Jersey Evening Post.
JERSEY SIDE BY SIDE BUILDING BRIDGES WITH THE PEOPLE OF MADEIRA
Jersey has very strong established ties with Madeira over many years, which was endorsed by the signing of the Friendship Agreement by the Bailiff and President Jardine more than 12 years ago.
At that time the islands recognised the value of each community and their inherently close ties over many years. We are very conscious and proud of the number of Portuguese and Madeiran families who have contributed and lived in the island for several generations.
In recognising the great contribution that they have brought to our community we would without hesitation suggest that at least 80% of our population if not every one of us relies on their services in one way or another.
It is therefore felt appropriate that Jersey must stand side by side with the people of Madeira at a time of great need where we demonstrate our support and solidarity. We have today launched a Side By Side specific appeal to help rebuild their community following the devastating floods.
It is hoped that everybody from all walks of life in Jersey will recognise the need to demonstrate the commitment embodied by that agreement signed by our Bailiff and the President of Madeira.
Please show your support: make an online donation or contact our Treasurer to donate by another method.
A big Thank You to everyone who has contributed to the many and varied fundraising activities that have been taking place around Jersey, and to the Jersey young musicians and members of the Madeiran and Portuguese choirs who performed side by side at St Thomas' on Saturday 6th March.
If you are considering any fund-raising activities please contact Side By Side who will be happy to endorse your event and assist in maximum publicity.
The experiences of a group of young Jersey music students visiting Madeira at the time of the floods can be found here.
Photo of flooding: Octavio Passos/AP
Photo of bridge damage: Jean Le Maistre