Islanders are being urged to donate tins and other non-perishable food as the Shelter Trust’s annual Tinathon returns to West’s Centre next month.

The 18th annual collection will take place on Friday 9 October from 8am to 2.30pm, ahead of World Homeless Day on Saturday 10 October.

The event is expected to bring together schools, businesses, community groups and individuals from across the Island, with 21 schools already confirmed to take part – including 13 primary schools and eight secondary schools.

School choirs and local groups will also perform at West’s Centre during the morning, providing live music as Islanders drop off donations.

The event, sponsored by LGT Wealth Management, brings together schools, businesses, community groups and individuals to collect food for people supported by the Shelter Trust.

Donations will be used to stock the charity’s kitchens and provide food parcels for Islanders in need.

Shelter Trust Director Josephine Scott said the event was an opportunity for Islanders to support people experiencing homelessness while raising awareness of an issue which is not always visible in the community.

“Tinathon is one of those days when you really see Jersey’s community spirit in action,” she said.

“A few tins might seem like a small contribution, but when schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the Island all get involved, it makes an enormous difference.”

Around 100 men, women and young adults are supported by Shelter Trust accommodation across seven sites each night.

The charity also provides emergency accommodation, dedicated services for women and young adults, outreach and day services, as well as aftercare and resettlement support for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Ms Scott said the event also provided an opportunity to highlight the different circumstances that can lead someone to need support.

“With World Homeless Day taking place the following day, it is a timely reminder that homelessness exists here in our own community,” she said.

“We’re enormously grateful to everyone who donates, volunteers or simply comes along to West’s Centre to show their support.”

LGT Wealth Management is sponsoring Tinathon for a second consecutive year.

Its chief executive Dan McAlister said: “We’re proud to sponsor Tinathon for a second year and support the vital work The Shelter Trust does for people experiencing homelessness in Jersey.

“Tinathon shows what our community can achieve together, and we hope Islanders will join us in supporting this important cause.”

Get involved

Islanders can take tins and other non-perishable food directly to West’s Centre between 8am and 2.30pm on Friday 9 October.

Businesses are also being encouraged to organise workplace collections, while schools and community organisations will be gathering donations ahead of the event.

Additional collection points will be available at Co-op Grand Marché, St Helier throughout October and Waitrose, Alliance, M&S and Communicare from 2 to 9 October.