Jersey
Side by Side Madeira Appeal hits £100,000
THE public appeal organised by Jersey Side by Side to help victims of the Madeira flooding
disaster has raised over £100,000.
Following this magnificent response by individuals, businesses, schools and other organisations
around the Island, the charity has set up a sub-committee, including representatives of Jersey’s
large Madeiran community, to advise on how the money should be spent.
Although the appeal is now being wound down, donations are still being accepted and the final
total in the fund, which has been raised and donated entirely by members of the public, may be
even greater.
Jersey Side by Side chairman Mike Wavell said: ‘The response has been overwhelming, not just
financially but in terms of the commitment shown by so many Islanders and employers. The
efforts by all sectors of the community really have been “side by side” and have fulfilled the spirit
of the Jersey-Madeira Friendship Agreement. Jersey has responded as if Madeira was one of
our parishes, demonstrating how our communities have grown closer together over the years.’
With the majority of the cost of major infrastructure repairs likely to be met by Madeiran,
Portuguese and EU government funds, the main aim is for the money raised by the Jersey
community to be directed to help meet the range of human needs in the island, where hundreds
were bereaved or lost homes and possessions when flash floods and mudslides hit on Saturday
20 February.
The Jersey Side by Side Appeal, launched two days later, brought an instant response from the
Island public. Fundraising activities ranged from marathon runs and cake sales to musical
concerts and raffles.
The Madeira Appeal advisory sub-committee, chaired by Jersey Side by Side treasurer Neil
Ginnis, will assess suggestions from agencies in Madeira and members of the Madeiran
community in Jersey on the best ways for the funds to be allocated.