Kevin Alway, operations manager at The Lounge for Macmillan Jersey, praised people’s sense of community during the pandemic, saying the Burrard Street café – which is allowed to remain open under the current rules – had seen an increase in footfall despite the challenges.
And he urged people to continue to support those businesses which could not open, saying that shares on social media or recommendations would help them in the future.
‘We are in a privileged position here at The Lounge, where we can still operate under current guidelines, but please continue to support those that cannot be open – they need you now more than ever,’ he said.
‘Even a share on social media or a mention to a friend can help greatly. Together, 2021 will be a brighter and better tomorrow.’
He added: ‘The sense of community we have in Jersey is the best thing about this island. Camaraderie, togetherness and a sense of spirit is intrinsically woven into the tapestry of this
island, and there is no greater time to see this than during hardship.
‘We have seen an increase in footfall. We have seen more social-media engagement and we have seen more new faces coming in due to word of mouth.
‘The Lounge was intended to be a hub of the community, where anyone can come in and feel at home, and it’s humbling to see even in our darkest hours the people of Jersey support places such as ours.’
Mr Alway, who reflected on the year in a social-media post this week, also thanked Fungi Delecti, which donates around 90% of food sold at The Lounge, as well as Bilbo’s Vending Services, AQ Milk Deliveries, Delish, Rhona’s at the Beach, Cimandis, Panther and Paperclix.
And he praised Lorie Rault at Jersey Business for her advice on safe operating during Covid,
Richard Fail, who helped set up Jersey Independent Table to champion local restaurants and cafés online, paid tribute to the team and volunteers who run The Lounge. ‘Thank you, Jersey – you’re rather amazing,’ he said.
