West Wight Sports and Community Centre has received the largest share of more than £22,000 awarded to 8 Isle of Wight organisations in the latest round of WightAID grants.
The Freshwater-based charity has been awarded £10,000 to fund a major IT upgrade, helping improve its day-to-day operations, boost its marketing and strengthen its online presence.
The project has 2 key elements – upgrading the centre’s IT capabilities so staff can work more efficiently while enhancing marketing, promotion and social media activity, and introducing new systems to help generate additional income from existing facilities, including its meeting room.
Clare Griffin, Centre Manager at West Wight Sports and Community Centre, said:
“As a charity it is difficult to find cash for major improvements such as this but now we are doing great things with the money donated to us, in terms of social media, marketing and promotion.
“We are very grateful to WightAID for the money that will make a huge difference to us.”
The grants were presented at WightAID’s latest awards ceremony in Newport, where a total of £22,634 was distributed to Island charities and community organisations. Supporters WRS also presented a cheque during the event.
Wet Wheels CIC received £5,000 to help fund boating experiences for disabled people of all ages. The grant will cover skipper fees, fuel, shore crew and volunteer expenses for trips between Yarmouth and Cowes, allowing participants to get involved with steering the boat and other onboard activities.
Phoenix Project IOW, based in Ryde, was awarded £3,060 towards a replacement industrial washing machine. The project supports adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and neurological conditions, including autism, with the equipment also playing an important role in teaching life skills.
Sun Drum CIC secured £2,044.49 for its Mindful Music Instruments initiative, which delivers wellbeing sessions across the Island. The funding will pay for instruments including Tibetan singing bowls, a gong, looper and other equipment to create calming and creative sound experiences.
Extreme Explorer Scout Unit was awarded £1,000 to purchase expedition equipment including tents, camping stoves, compasses and map cases ahead of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions on Dartmoor.
Cowes Heritage Community Group received £870 to improve its website, making it more appealing and easier to use.
Two smaller grants were also awarded. Wessex Cancer Support received £160 to renovate the garden at its Cancer Centre on Lugley Street, Newport, creating a more peaceful outdoor space for clients and volunteers.
Applegate Breast Cancer Support Group was awarded £500 towards a retreat day at Ventnor Botanic Garden in October for members of the group.
WightAID founder Geoff Underwood said:
“The variety of grants offered in this round demonstrates 2 things; the need for support for so many charities and the generosity shown by Island companies and individuals towards WightAID.
“We would love to see more corporate and individual donors coming forward.”
