About JT

JT joins Channel Islands’ effort to support those affected by Hurricane Irma

JT has joined the Channel Islands’ response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma. Jt have waived all roaming charges for any JT customer caught up in the disaster until they can return.

The company, which is owned by the people of Jersey, is also working with Island authorities to identify other ways to help. This could include sending engineers and equipment to the region.

JT Chief Executive Officer Graeme Millar said: “Like most people, I have been following events in the Caribbean and Florida closely. I’ve been truly shocked and saddened by the scale of the devastation. Being a global business with worldwide roaming agreements, JT is in a position to be able to offer practical help. Especially to Channel Islanders caught up in the aftermath of this terrible natural disaster.

“We have heard stories of communities being cut off from the outside world. This is due to of a lack of communication. So, it’s comforting to know that we can offer some help to islanders and their families back home.

“Being a small island ourselves, I think we feel a natural empathy with the impacted Caribbean communities. Particularly, as we have strong business links with many of them. JT has used social media to ask affected customers to contact us. The engagement has been heartening, with hundreds of people expressing their solidarity and support. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to share our posts with their friends. We want to spread the message far and wide.”

One story from the Caribbean illustrates how JT’s global reach has already had a positive impact. Jersey couple Tim and Shona Ringsdore live in the British Virgin Islands. Consequently, their home was badly damaged when Hurricane Irma struck last Wednesday. All phone lines were down – except Mrs Ringsdore’s JT mobile. This has been the only way that the couple has been able to let friends and family know that they are safe.

Their London-based daughter, Katy, said: “That one phone has been an absolute live-saver. Only could mum and dad let me and my sister know that they’re safe using JT. Also the whole neighbourhood has been using it to speak to friends and family. I know that a couple of international businesses had lost contact with some of their BVI employees. However, through the JT phone, mum and dad were able to track them down. That one JT phone has made a massive contribution.”

JT customers in the region affected by Hurricane Irma should send a Direct Message to JT via the company’s Facebook page. Alternatively, Islanders who know of affected JT customers can contact the JT Contact Centre on 882882 to leave details.

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For further information or to set up interviews, please contact Julien at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je



About JT

JT Daredevils skydived for dementia

Ten brave JT Daredevils skydived out of a plane yesterday [Sunday 3 September] . They were raising money for JT’s chosen charity, Jersey Alzheimer’s Association. The intrepid volunteers plunged at 130 mph for 30 seconds. At 10,000 feet above St Aubin’s Bay they parachuted down to land close to the Gunsite slipway. Colleagues, family and friends came down to welcome the Daredevils back to earth and applaud their courage.

After another successful annual JT Charity Day in June, 35 staff members signed up to become JT Daredevils. Ten were selected at random. They became the first JT Daredevils. The skydivers raised a fantastic £1000 for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.

Everyone got involved

Emma Wileman, Credit Collection Manager at JT and chosen Daredevil, said: “It was absolutely incredible! It’s great that so many of us signed up to skydive from across the business. Consequently, directors, engineers and call centre staff were all involved. It’s been a talking point across the whole company. This means that everyone has been involved. That’s brought us all closer together as well as helped with the fundraising.”

JT runs several charitable initiatives throughout the year. At the beginning of 2017, staff voted for their Charity of the Year.  They chose Jersey Alzheimer’s Association. Staff in other locations are also supporting local Alzheimer’s-related charities.

Christophe Château, Head of Culture and Staff Engagement at JT, said: “Staff enthusiasm and engagement at JT never ceases to amaze me. After getting everyone to wear odd shoes earlier this year for our annual JT Charity Day, who would have thought we could get ten members of staff to jump out of a plane? I am so proud of my colleagues for taking the leap. Also for raising a tremendous £1000 for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.”

Mark Blamey, Manager of Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, said: “We can’t thank JT enough for choosing to support us this year. Performing a tandem charity skydive is certainly an impressive feat. So, we’re excited to see what the JT Daredevils will do next! Their efforts will help us to support local people living with dementia and their families.”

The JT Daredevils were not only skydiving to fundraise for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association but to raise awareness of World Alzheimer’s Day. This takes place on Thursday 21 September. JT is now well on its’ way to achieve its £20,000 target for Alzheimer’s-related charities.

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NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.