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A local bank director is appealing to finance companies and workers with spare disposable income to contribute to a giant money pot for health workers to spend on holidays and treats after the virus crisis.
Richard Thomas, Business Development Director at Santander International, has set up the initiative with the intention of raising £50,000.
He told Express that he hopes that healthcare workers can use the money raised for “personal reasons”.
“Whether it’s money towards a holiday, to refill the piggy bank or even to spend on going out with loved ones, all monies raised on this page will be given to those who deserve it most,” he said.
Richard has worked in Jersey’s finance industry for over 23 years and is appealing to colleagues and companies to help raise the funds.
Pictured: Richard Thomas hopes that the fundraiser will "deliver joy" to Jersey healthcare workers.
He says that they are “very fortunate” in finance to be able to work from home and keep being paid a salary, so he is encouraging people with cash to spare to donate to the fund to benefit healthcare workers.
"The majority of us work in finance, probably now working from home, and are still getting paid, and not spending our disposable income as much as normal. So, how about we all donate a few quid to help those that are helping us... the frontline healthcare workers at Jersey Hospital?" Richard's fundraising page reads.
He told Express that he hopes that the fundraiser will have a “domino effect” on larger companies, noting: “Without the bigger companies getting involved, I think £50,000 will be an extremely challenging task.”
Richard has set up the initiative on fundraising website Race-Nation and highlights that it is a separate fund from the Bailiff’s Covid-19 Fund, which is raising money for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical resources.
Pictured: Health staff will be able to use the money for personal enjoyment post-crisis.
He set the ball rolling on Wednesday with a £250 donation.
Since then, nearly £3,000 in donations have been received - but there's still a way to go before hitting the target.
“I know that the Jersey community are incredibly generous and are all very thankful for the hard work of the team at the hospital," Richard added.
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