The amount of donations received by charities is entirely dependent upon how much money is raised by walkers in both registration fees and sponsorship money raised.
Since the event’s inception in 1991, an overriding objective has been to ensure that every penny raised by walkers actually goes to local charities, rather than cover expenses or salaries of the event’s organisers. This objective remains as true today as back in 1991, hence the voluntary basis of everyone involved in the organising committee.
Since 2014 (when ITEX ceased to exist), the event organisers have sought sponsorship from local businesses. Such funding effectively covers the overheads in running the event each year and enables the organisers to continue the promise that every penny raised goes direct to charity. For instance, 100% of every walkers’ entry fee goes straight into the charity pot for distribution. Small surcharges (like P&P) help offset the costs of buying walker packs, producing thousands of pieces of paperwork like sponsorship forms, newsletters, luggage tags, walk maps and postage.
In addition to making a donation to Rotary De La Manche in its fund raising efforts, three main charities usually benefit from a significant donation between £15,000 and £20,000, while the remaining nine charities (what we call Potters) each benefit from a share of the pot that can range from between £3,500 and £5,000.
A few small steps can make a BIG difference to the charities being supported, so we encourage every walker to try and raise as much sponsorship, as possible. You can download the Sponsorship Form – pass it around your family, friends and work colleagues to help all these local charities.
2024 is a very special year for RNLI Jersey as the RNLI will be celebrating 200 years of saving lives and will be holding some local events to commemorate, celebrate and inspire others geared towards our local community. The funds generated through the Island walk will go towards supporting the RNLI in saving lives at sea and supporting the crew to ensure they have the necessary skills and clothing to rescue people in all weathers. See RNLI Jersey - Ready To Respond for more details.
Jersey Trees for Life is the Island’s only charity dedicated to trees, their mission is to inspire, facilitate and promote the planting, conservation, and protection of trees and hedgerow while educating our community about their environmental, ecological, and social importance. Following the devastation caused by Storm Ciaran it has become more important than ever that the planting season is maximised and as such funds raised through the Island Walk would be spent on whips and trees to be planted as hedgerow during the upcoming season. See Jersey Trees For Life for more details.
Skate Space is a new project with lots of community engagement and positive momentum behind it. With recently secured Planning Permission, they are are now seeking fundraising support. Skate Space have an incredible building that they want to put to use, having been sat empty for 40 years its owners (The Methodist Church) are very keen to see the space come back into use, facilitating an indoor space for youth, and seeing a community thrive. To do this an indoor skate park with its own bespoke ramp is being planned, alongside a ‘creative editing suite’ that will run film and photography workshops. See Skate Space for more details.
The Family First service is an initiative by The Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation in collaboration with The Jersey Community Partnership. They provide practical support to families from Jersey who must travel off the island for their child's medical treatment. Their trained staff can provide a listening ear, practical advice, and direct you to other sources of support. The funding from the Island Walk 2024 will enable them to run drop-in group sessions to support families who have children requiring treatment in the UK. Their aim is to connect families in similar situations, providing an extended support network. See Family First for more details.
Since 1936 the National Trust for Jersey has been fighting to keep Jersey beautiful, to permanently protect its unique identity, its spectacular landscapes, its historic architecture, and its rich wildlife, for everyone. Funding from the Island Walk will go towards maintaining the land and infrastructure used and enjoyed during the walk, including the paths, gates, bridges and of course the wild landscapes the walk passes through. See National Trust for Jersey for more details.
Sanctuary Trust works across three sites and can accommodate a total of 30 men. They work with their residents to help them find employment, voluntary opportunities and eventually their own independent accommodation. Everything they do is to help the men regain their self-respect and dignity so they can once again become contributing members of society. Funding from the Island Walk will empower them to provide residents with essential equipment, transformative experiences, memberships, and educational courses that contribute to their overall wellbeing and mental health. They anticipate that these initiatives will not only empower residents and instil a positive outlook on life but also potentially reduce the average length of stay, allowing them to extend support to more individuals in need. See Sanctuary Trust for more details.
Wednesday Night FC prioritizes wellbeing over winning for all of its members. The club’s mission is to provide a unique opportunity for people to access football in a way that suits their lifestyle, circumstances, and environment. The club’s flexible and enjoyable environment allows members to connect with others, be active, help others, and keep learning. Recognition came in 2023 in the form of two prestigious award nominations. The organisation was recognised by Jersey sport as one of the move more groups of the year and Director of football Adam Grocott was nominated at the pride of jersey awards in the mental health champion of the year category. Funding from the Island Walk will be used to facilitate more events across the Island through the purchase of portable goals and transportation. See Wednesday Night FC for more details.
Variety - the Children’s Charity of Jersey aims to ensure that all disadvantaged and special needs children have the same opportunities in life. Since their inauguration in 1968, Variety - the Children’s Charity of Jersey have raised millions of pounds. Funding from the Island Walk will go to support ongoing work of the charity. See Variety - the Children's Charity of Jersey for more details.
Healing Waves harnesses the ocean’s transformative powers, to deliver life-changing ocean therapy for individuals living with disabilities, conditions and mental health struggles, whilst offering additional support to their families. They strive to enhance programs, strengthen our community and provide access to more people in need each year, while remaining true to their core values. Funding from the Island Walk will go towards enabling Healing Waves to continue providing year-round sessions. See Healing Waves - Ocean Therapy for more details.
Smaller donations of approximately £1,000 are made to those charities and organisations that help with the actual running and operation of both the Main Walk and the Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge.
Throughout the course of the weekend, the Girl Guides collect litter along the entirety of the route around the Island.
The States of Jersey Ambulance Service provides first aid cover for the LG Walk and at the Noirmont Checkpoint.
The 10th Jersey (St Brelades) Scout Group provide manpower at the Beaup ort Checkpoint, help to collect walker bags and offer encouragement to walkers as they pass through.
