This year’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show has raised over £12,600 for the Royal British Legion which supports service personnel and their families who are experiencing difficulties.
During the weekend over 35,000 people won a ‘Bubble Duck’, (designed by 11 year old Aimée Flack), after taking part in the popular hook-a-duck game.
The funds raised will enable the Royal British Legion to support current or ex-service people and their dependents who live in, or who are from, Jersey and who need specialist assistance with either a physical or mental issue.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the charity is also Custodian of Remembrance for the sacrifices made in conflicts since WW1 through the Poppy Appeal.
The Royal British Legion is running a “Plant a Poppy” campaign and the Barclays Jersey Boat Show was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the different facets of the charity, generate much needed funds and distribute hundreds of live poppies.
Chairman of the Jersey branch of the Royal British Legion, Tim Daniels said: “We’re extremely grateful for the visitors to the Barclays Jersey Boat Show who stopped to hook-a-duck and also chat about the work of the Legion.
“Many people in the Island have links to their services and whilst individuals may be reticent about any challenges that they are facing, the more people who are aware of us and our remit to help will enable them to steer their loved ones to a sympathetic ear.”
Managing director of Barclays in the Channel Islands, Paul Savery, said: “It was great to see so many islanders and visitors come down to the Boat Show, enjoy the weather and take part in the huge variety of activities on offer over the weekend.
“At Barclays we are committed to supporting the Jersey community .I was pleased to see so many visitors to the show speaking to our Digital Eagles about staying safe online, how to better use their online banking and having a go at our Code Playground activities.”
The Barclays Jersey Boat Show took place at St Helier Marina over the bank holiday weekend of 5 – 7 May. The event attracted more than 35,000 people who took part in a variety of activities over the three days.
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of Barclays sponsoring the show and the bank is looking for islanders aged 15 and under to come up with a celebratory design for the 2019 duck to mark the anniversary.
Visitors to the Barclays tent were able to pick up a form for the duck design competition and a shortlist of designs will be uploaded to the Barclays Overseas Facebook page.