THE Joint Charities Christmas Appeal is a long way off meeting this year’s £120,000 target – which could mean fewer Islanders getting their hampers and food vouchers next year.

That is the prediction by this year’s appeal chairman, Jean Dale, pictured, who blames the current financial climate for the predicament faced by the appeal that has its origins in the 1900s. Mrs Dale declined to disclose how much had been raised so far, but the official figure on 11 December was £35,000, which meant that the charity still had £85,000 to find.

She said: ‘I don’t think we are going to hit our target. In fact, we are way off, and that is because of the financial situation. It will be a struggle next year and we won’t be able to give as much if we can’t get the support. But the public can’t live above their means – they only get so much money themselves. Charities are struggling and it will be tough for everybody next year.

‘But I hope that people consider the Christmas Appeal to be well run and will support it, as they are very generous and know that it is going to a good cause.’