Help celebrate 10 years of the men's homeless shelter

Sunday 25 April 2021

A men’s homeless shelter is calling on islanders to dust off their trainers and take on a challenge that reminds them of the daily challenges its homeless residents face to mark its 10th anniversary.

The Sanctuary Trust event is aimed at islanders of all ages and fitness levels, and invites participants to complete a challenge focused on the number 10.

From a 10km run or dog walk, a bike ride through 10 parishes, a 10-minute sea-swim or 10 laps around your garden, Brett Cutts, the charity’s General Manager, said the options are endless and the more bizarre the challenge the better.

“We would really love people to support our one-year milestone by pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and taking on a personal challenge that not only makes them feel good but also reminds them of the many daily challenges our homeless residents face." 

The charity was set up in 2011 to provide sanctuary, support and hope for men facing homelessness and has since helped over 300 men “address their issues and addictions, identify job and training opportunities, and successfully move back into society with a renewed confidence and self-esteem”.

“Since covid-19, the demand on our services has increased while fundraising during the pandemic has taken a huge hit,” Mr Cutts said. “We are determined to help those in need and we are currently looking at ways in which we can move forward and extend our reach; with a third site for men in the planning.”

Social distancing restrictions have meant the charity’s popular ‘Walk into Light’ has been cancelled for the second year running, but the new event, which can be undertaken by participants solely in their own time or in their own bubbles, is hoped to raise some much-needed funds for the charity.

“We are delighted to support this very inclusive event where anyone can do anything connected with the number 10,” Chris Ambler, the CEO of Jersey Electricity who is sponsoring the event, said.

“With the hugely successful ‘Walk into Light’ again cancelled due to covid, we hope as many people as possible get involved in this innovative fundraiser for a charity whose services are increasingly in demand. As part of our support, we’ll be offering free branded t-shirts to the first 250 participants who register.’

Anyone interested in signing up can register on the charity's website, which will direct them to a Just Giving page or a link to download a sponsorship form. The first 250 people to register will receive a free t-shirt.

Pictured top - from left: Richard Lumborg, The Ideas Works; Sarah Tumelty, Sanctuary Trust Assistant Manager; a Sanctuary Trust resident; Debbie Jeffries, Sanctuary Fundraiser; Martyn Aubert, The Idea Works; and Lynn Schofield, JEC.