Knitters across the Isle of Wight are being urged to pick up their needles and get stitching for the final month of the innocent Big Knit campaign, which raises vital funds for older people in the community.
Age UK Isle of Wight is encouraging residents to create as many mini woollen hats as possible by the deadline of Tuesday (1st July 2025). The hats will be placed on innocent smoothie bottles, which will go on sale across the UK in October.
For every be-hatted bottle sold, 30p will be donated to Age UK – with funds from Isle of Wight-submitted hats going directly to support local services.
The national campaign, run in partnership between innocent and Age UK, helps fund vital information, advice and friendship for older people. Those knitting on the Isle of Wight can ensure their efforts stay local by sending their completed creations to Age UK Isle of Wight at 17 St Thomas Square, Newport, PO30 1SL.
Maria Bunce, Chief Officer of Age UK Isle of Wight, has said:
“We are so grateful to everybody who has been knitting for the Big Knit so far this year, and now the hat deadline is nearly upon us, we’re putting out a final call to the woolly warriors across the Isle of Wight to knit as many hats as possible before 1st July 2025.
“These little hats really do make a huge difference, and it’s thanks to fundraising initiatives like the Big Knit that we’re able to continue providing our vital services and helping older people in the local community.”
Charlotte Wright, Senior Brand Manager at innocent drinks, has said:
“A huge thank you to everyone who has knitted or crocheted a hat to date for this year’s Big Knit. We are so appreciative of your support & the impact this has in helping Age UK make a positive difference.
“Whether you are a knitting pro or a novice, it’s still not too late to get involved. We can’t wait to see your woolly masterpieces on our smoothies bottles later in the year.”
There are a range of quirky hat designs available, including a cheeky monkey, fox cub, sheepish sheep and even a unicorn. Patterns can be downloaded from www.thebigknit.co.uk/knittingpatterns.
Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to call Age UK Isle of Wight on 01983 525282 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight/activities-and-events/the-big-knit/.
