The sheer breadth of support given to the Island by WightAID was demonstrated in the latest round of grants, presented last week.
A total of £30,381.20 was given to 13 Isle of Wight good causes, ranging from one of more than £8,000, to small, but vitally important grants.
Children, men facing loneliness and mental health issues, women left vulnerable by childhood sexual abuse, and other sections of the community, were among the recipients present at the ceremony in Newport.
Supporters of WightAID; Rob Johnson, CEO of the IW Chamber of Commerce, and Rebecca Taylor, McTimoney chiropractor, from East Cowes, were on hand to present the cheque to representatives of the 13 good causes that benefited in the March round.
Geoff Underwood, trustee and founder of WightAID, said the wide range of organisations receiving money this time showed the need for WightAID in the Island community.
“We are so grateful to the businesses and individuals that support us and hope that support will continue, as money coming in means there are funds to give out,” he said.
Anybody wishing to give to WightAID or find out more can do so HERE.
8 organisations received grants of more than £500. They were:
- Shanklin Men’s Shed £2,200 – The Shed, which helps men tackle loneliness and mental health challenges, will use the money for ground clearance for a new “Shed” at the Sandown/Shanklin Lions HQ in Lake.
- Stone Crabs Productions and Theatre £2,000 – Their grant will be used to help develop their Off Books after-school arts education club, offering extra sessions, leading to a path to their club for older children.
- Freshwater Independent Lifeboat £3,000 – Railings and a ramp for people with disabilities. This is part of a much bigger project to rebuild the boathouse HQ in Freshwater Bay.
- IW Pride £1,800 – This annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community on the Island, held in Ryde, received support for marketing, traffic management, entertainment and toilets at their event on July 18.
- The Wave Project IOW £6,290 – This mental health charity for children and young people offers surf therapy courses to help them overcome challenges in their lives and improve their mental health. The grant will be used to pay for more sessions, referrals lifeguard qualifications and flags.
- Feeding the IOW £3,500 – Cowes Community Pantry helps tackle food poverty in the town’s community. A portable building bought partly with the grant will be used to store food and create a welcoming space for users of the pantry.
- Vectis Boating and Fishing Club £1,000 – The grant will be used to pay for 37 new buoyancy aids, replacing existing ageing items. The club promotes sea angling to adults and young people, providing boats plus safety equipment at low cost to its members.
- Sporting Opportunities £8,241 – The organisation will send an Island team of adults with disabilities, mainly learning disabilities, to the Special Olympics Summer Games this year and will use the money to pay for kit, accommodation and entry fees.
Grants of £500 or under
- All Saints’ Church, Ryde, £350 – The grant will provide barista and customer facing training for vulnerable women who have been referred to the church. This will include the opportunity to gain further experience, confidence and boost other outcomes for those trained.
- Take Cover, £500 – This support group for the adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse provides a safe space, that is non-judgmental and brings together survivors to feel understood, validated and not alone. The money will be used for venue hire and materials.
- Wroxall General Welfare, £500 – Coffee mornings are held in the village throughout the year to engender a sense of community and raise funds to support elderly members of the community with birthday cards, flowers and regular lunch events.
- Friends of Blyskawica, £500 – Money will be used to pay for Medina Marching Band and other expenses around the annual commemoration of the Polish warship’s part in the defence of Cowes in the Second World War.
- East Cowes Community Partnership, £500 – The cash will be spent on a tutor and materials for an art group helping men in the town combat feelings of isolation.
