Isle of Wight Festival organisers, John and Caroline Giddings, have made a significant donation to Pan Together – the Isle of Wight charity which exists to support and provide a community hub for the residents of East Newport.
The donation amount has not been disclosed.
Caroline Giddings said:
“I heard about what’s happening at Downside Community Centre to provide essential support services to local people in the wake of the coronavirus emergency. Sadly there isn’t going to be an Isle of Wight Festival this year but we wanted to contribute in our own way.”
Rachel Thomson, Pan Together’s Community Centre Manager said:
“We can’t thank Caroline and John enough. Their substantial donation is a tremendous boost and will really help us to continue to support people within Pan, Pan Meadows and Barton at these most difficult of times.
“If you or anyone you know locally would benefit from our support services – meal deliveries, essential shopping and/or prescription collections – please ring 01983 248 170 between 9 am and 5 pm, seven days a week or email [email protected]“.
Picture of hope drawn by 9-year-old Jasmine, the daughter of Downside’s café supervisor
A really nice decent thing for Mr and Mrs G to do. Wish them good health in this difficult times, which will take the well to do, as well as those with less.
Whilst making a donation is noble enough, perhaps they could explain their reasons for rushing to the media to announce their “good deed”.
There is no other reason other than “look at me, aren’t I good for donating money, you should all be in awe and grateful”
How about they simply donate cash anonymously and then get on with their day instead of bragging about it
As YOU do no doubt?
I never discuss any philanthropic activities I may undertake.
Glad of that, we have no desire to know what instrument you play anyway!
Thank you Knighton – succinctly put, as well as lightly humorous.
I’m Downside Community Centre’s Manager and I issued the news release. First, to say thanks to the Giddings but – more importantly – to promote the support services we’re providing to very vulnerable residents in Pan, Pan Meadows and Barton. Hope that helps to clarify things.
@rachel
are you thanking each and everyone of your financial supporters publicly like this, or just those that have put over a certain amount in. Surely someone who makes a small donation, deserves equal recognition, even if it is just a pound or less.
you can easily promote what you do without giving space on a platform to allow those donating to brag about it by agreeing to their names and comments being posted.
Giddings could have said – “no, I would like to remain anonymous”
As a charity, Pan Together always tries to secure publicity for the vital services the community centre provides in our local area and we strive to acknowledge donations (however large or small) in ways agreed with the donor, funding body or grant-giver.
This is an uplifting and good news story, much needed in these most difficult of times. As well as The Island Echo, at least three other Isle of Wight news websites have covered the story in less than 24 hours – and without the absolutely crucial ‘peg’ of the Giddings’ donation, I am certain that we would not have secured this degree of coverage.
Unfortunately this forum, along with the County Press, is full of people that want to find fault with anything. Some very sad people out there who seem to have nothing more in their life but to knock others.
sadly alan – your comment is somewhat hypocritical, seeing as you have posted a message on this site, finding fault with other messages and then insulting the posters, by referring to them as sad.
You are perpetuating the very thing you are complaining about.
We enjoy free speech and are entitled to use it. Each persons opinion is as relevant as the next and has the right to be heard.