ORGANISERS of this year’s Jersey Christmas Appeal have said the help it provides Islanders is ‘more crucial than ever’ – as they prepare to launch its biggest fundraiser later this week.

Individuals and businesses have donated over 200 lots, including meals, hampers, jewellery and luxury holidays, to the appeal’s charity auction.

Funds raised are used to provide food, fuel and toy vouchers for Jersey residents in need of help over the Christmas period.

Fiona Walker, one of the auction co-ordinators, said that a lot of Islanders were ‘feeling the squeeze’ amid the rising cost of living.

‘Prices are spiralling and, for many, there is no spare cash available. But donors have come forward and their generosity has been humbling. We have some people who donate every year, and they have given again this time around, and others who are donating for the first time.

‘We have a brilliant, eclectic mix of lots, and the star lots this year – which include three holidays – are some of the best that we have ever seen,’ she added.

Fellow auction co-ordinator Annette Blanchet said the work of the Christmas Appeal was ‘more crucial than ever’.

‘We anticipate a record number of people needing our help this year, and that means we need to raise a substantial sum to fund the appeal. The auction is a wonderful way of raising money, because anyone can take part and everything we raise goes directly to the charity,’ she added.

Bids will be accepted online at jerseychristmasappeal.je from tomorrow and the auction will remain active until Sunday 4 December, when the finale is due to be broadcast live on Channel 103.