Community Savings grant

James Qualtrough | June 11, 2012 | 0 Comments

The Treasury Minister has approved a grant of £30,000 for Community Savings Ltd to help the organisation expand from its base in St Helier into other parishes.

Community Savings Ltd is a not for profit organisation, funded by charitable donations, which operates along the lines of a credit union. It is ready to expand its operations across the Island’s parishes but had been prevented from doing so by lack of finance. It is hoped that this grant will allow the organisation to help a greater number of vulnerable Islanders.

The Treasury Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, said: “I am confident that this grant will provide valuable assistance for Community Savings Ltd, helping it to reach as many of those Islanders as possible who find themselves suffering hardship in the current financial climate.

“This funding also meets the objectives of the Strategic Plan, promoting family and community values by working together with parishes and other agencies to co-ordinate efficient and effective social and community services.

“This is just one example of our firm commitment to developing valuable partnerships with the third sector.”

Community Savings Ltd Executive Chairman, Brian Curtis, said: “The approval of this grant is fantastic news, as we rely on donations in order to continue our work. We have been operating for ten years now and we are pleased that the States has formally recognised our long-standing commitment to the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The Comité des Connétables are supportive of the plans, believing the expansion will fulfil a need that parishes currently find difficult to address.