Schools, businesses, workplaces and community groups are being urged to help ‘turn the Island silver’ as Age UK Isle of Wight prepares for a week-long celebration of older Islanders.
The independent local charity will hold its Silver Island Week from 28th September until 4th October, celebrating the contribution older people make to communities across the Isle of Wight.
The week will also aim to raise awareness of the support available to older Islanders and generate vital funds to help Age UK Isle of Wight continue its work locally.
Throughout the week, the charity will be visiting locations around the Isle of Wight, giving residents the chance to meet its team, learn more about its services and discover how it helps older people live independently without feeling isolated or lonely.
As part of the celebrations, Islanders of all ages are being encouraged to get involved.
Schools, workplaces and community organisations can collect spare silver coins, with Age UK Isle of Wight offering collection pots and ‘piratey’ treasure chests to help groups gather donations.
Businesses are also being invited to come up with their own fundraising ideas, which could include raffles, pub quizzes and other events.
The charity can visit schools, workplaces and community organisations to give informal talks about its work, the support available to older Islanders and how people can help.
Michaela White, Community Fundraiser and Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator at Age UK Isle of Wight, has said:
“We want this week to be a real celebration of older people across the Isle of Wight and the contribution they make to our Island community.
“It is also a chance for people of all ages to learn more about the support that is available and about Age UK Isle of Wight as an independent Island charity.
“Whether it’s collecting some spare silver change, having one of our treasure chests in your school or workplace, organising a fundraiser or simply coming along to meet us during the week, we’d love as much of the Island as possible to get involved and help us turn the Island silver.”
Founded in 1973, Age UK Isle of Wight works with organisations and communities to help older people navigate the opportunities and challenges that can come with ageing.
Its support is delivered through a range of services, many of which are provided free thanks to funding and donations, alongside the work of a small team of staff and a large number of volunteers.
Money raised by the charity stays on the Isle of Wight and is spent supporting its work locally.
Age UK Isle of Wight has also stressed that it does not own the Age UK charity shops on the Island and instead relies upon fundraising generated locally to support its services.
Details of specific Silver Island Week events and the locations where the charity’s team can be found will be announced closer to the event.
Schools, workplaces, businesses, organisations and individuals interested in taking part can contact Age UK Isle of Wight on 01983 525282 or via [email protected].
More information about the charity and its services can be found at www.ageukiw.org.uk.
