This year’s Soup Kitchen was bigger, busier and ultimately raised more money than any other year that had gone before, bringing in a staggering £27,500 which The Shelter Trust Chairman Neville Benbow described in the Jersey Evening Post as ‘fantastic’.
37 soups were available on the day supplied by a selection of organisations including Government house, private companies, schools and numerous restaurants in a wonderful show of generosity and Christmas spirit.
As many working in this sector will already know, Shelter is the largest provider of emergency accommodation in Jersey working across with sites and housing over 100 people each night.
Richard Robins who recently stood down as trustee and treasurer of the charity continues to lead the event’s organising team was quick to point out that it is very much a team effort, and would not be possible without other generous donations and support from businesses and individuals, aside from all the soups.
Both Mr Robins and Mr Benbow praised the community element of the event, and how so many people come out in support. That said, both remain very concerned about the growing issue of homelessness in Jersey as the charity continues to see an increase in demand for all of the services they offer over and above solely accommodation.