Age UK Isle of Wight is calling on Islanders to knit or crochet 20,000 little hats in a bid to raise £6,000 for older residents.
The charity is taking part in the latest innocent Big Knit campaign, which sees miniature woolly hats placed on smoothie bottles to raise money for Age UK.
Just over 2 weeks since the campaign launched, more than 2,000 hats have already been donated by Island knitters and crocheters, putting the charity more than 10% of the way towards its ambitious target.
The appeal follows a record-breaking effort during the previous campaign, when Islanders produced an impressive 18,794 hats – comfortably exceeding the original target of 12,500.
Now, Age UK Isle of Wight is hoping to go one better, encouraging both experienced knitters and complete beginners to get involved.
For every innocent smoothie sold wearing one of the handmade hats, 30p is donated to Age UK. Reaching the Island’s target of 20,000 hats would generate £6,000 to support the local charity’s work.
The money will help fund services including Chatty Brews, which tackle loneliness by bringing people together for conversation and companionship, as well as the charity’s Information and Signposting service and Digital Drop-ins, which help older people become more confident using technology.
Joe Hodgkinson, Marketing and Digital Communications Officer at Age UK Isle of Wight, said:
“Island knitters gave us a wonderful response last time, and we’d love to build on that together. Reaching 20,000 hats would raise £6,000 to help us continue supporting older people here on the Isle of Wight.
“Whether you make one hat or get a whole group involved, every contribution towards our target is welcome.”
Families, schools, workplaces and community groups are all being encouraged to take part, with free knitting and crochet patterns available to suit different skill levels.
Nicki Garland, Head of UK&I at innocent drinks, said:
“The Big Knit is an amazing campaign that inspires people throughout the country to knit and crochet little hats, and gives drinkers a simple way to support a cause that truly matters.
“We are so excited that the Big Knit is back for yet another exciting campaign to help older people live well.”
Completed hats can be posted or delivered to Age UK Isle of Wight at 17 St Thomas’ Square, Newport, PO30 1SL.
Those donating are asked to include a note with their name, contact details and the number of hats contributed.
Importantly, hats should be sent directly to Age UK Isle of Wight rather than national Age UK charity shops on the Island, to ensure the local charity benefits from the donations.
Hats are being collected now, with a local hand-in deadline to be announced ahead of the national deadline of 1st October 2027. The finished creations will appear on innocent smoothie bottles in early 2028.
Anyone wanting to get involved can find free patterns and further information at www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight/get-involved/big-knit-2027/ or email [email protected].
