This Is Guernsey

By Joel de Woolfson

ISLANDERS are today being asked to make a massive difference for two major charity projects as the Guernsey Press launches its Final Hour Appeal. The Maison Million Appeal and Les Bourgs Hospice’s redevelopment have the support of many people who recognise how crucial they are to the island.

And a joint initiative between the campaigns is looking to turn the last hour of this year into a special fund-raising occasion.

This newspaper is urging all islanders to help these campaigns reach their targets by donating the final hour of this year’s pay, or more.

For the next seven weeks, the Final Hour Appeal will invite companies to sign up and ensure both campaigns get a massive boost to end the year.

In April, the Guernsey Press launched Maison Million to help raise the £1m. needed for building work to start on Maison de Quetteville, a 29-bed dementia and Alzheimer’s care unit that will be connected to Maison l’Aumone.

Les Bourgs Hospice launched its own £1m. public fund-raising campaign in August to enable it totally to redevelop Andrew Mitchell House.

Maison Million fund-raiser David Hodgetts said it was important that both succeeded.

‘These two projects are both so needed,’ he said. ‘And I think it is hugely important that they are not seen to be in competition with each other.

‘They will both provide invaluable care and support for people going through incredibly tough times. Les Bourgs Hospice has helped so many people come to terms with the imminent loss of a loved one and holds a special place in islanders’ hearts.

‘Alzheimer’s is a terrifying condition and puts so much pressure on the sufferer’s loved ones and so many islanders have witnessed the cruelty of the disease at first hand. The new unit will help ease the burden on carers.

‘One hour’s pay is not a lot for most people but it will make a huge difference to these two projects,’ he said.

Hospice chairman Jurat Mike Tanguy urged support for the fund-raiser.

‘It is a brilliant opportunity to give an extra dimension and real significance to New Year’s Eve,’ he said.

‘Both organisations are in the process of providing facilities of crucial importance for islanders.

‘The hospice needs to expand and upgrade to provide the best care for terminally ill patients and the Alzheimer’s development is badly needed.

‘I hope local workers can use this campaign as a way of supporting both causes. The new facilities are likely to be of benefit to their relatives and friends - or even possibly the donors themselves - at some point in the future.’