Local bank spreading festive cheer to charities

Sunday 11 December 2016

A big bank wants to hear from local charities who need a bit of a helping hand this Christmas.

Royal Bank of Canada is looking to spread some festive cheer from its Charitable Donations Fund.

With over 300 registered charities on the Island, it is the Fund’s aim to offer smaller donations to as broad a range of charities that benefit islanders.

Autism Jersey is one of a number of organisations that RBC has recently supported. Caroline Moody, Fundraising & Marketing Manager from the charity said: "We applied for a grant of £500, to allow us to offer a bursary to a young woman who is on the autism spectrum. She told us that growing up, she always loved animals and being around them has been a big coping mechanism for her.

"The bursary, kindly funded by RBC Wealth Management, will enable her to study a year-long Animal Behaviour course through the Open Study College. By dong the course she believes it will give her a more in-depth understanding of animal behaviour and hopefully lead to a part-time job.

"An online course is particularly beneficial to someone on the autism spectrum because they can work from home where they feel safe and comfortable. Being in a classroom situation can be very difficult and anxiety provoking for a number of reasons: sensory hypersensitivity to noise, lights and touch and the need to fidget. This can lead to not being able to concentrate properly, which can lead to a perception of not paying attention, with resultant peer exclusion or bullying.

"We’re extremely grateful that the donation from RBC Wealth Management’s Charitable Donations Fund will allow one young Islander the chance to study a subject area she passionately loves, improving her chances of finding meaningful employment."

Chris Blampied, Head of Banking at RBC Wealth Management said: "Our Charitable Donations Fund is there to benefit the people of Jersey and we’ve committed to fund the Autism Jersey annual bursary for the next three years. We are keen to hear from other registered charities that benefit the local community and support one of three key areas we focus on: youth and education, amateur sport and health and wellness. A little goes a long way so we’re happy to hear from those seeking help."

If your charity could do with a helping hand from RBC this Christmas, you can get in touch with Angela Le Bailly here and apply with the charity's name, registration number, details of the project and the requested amount.