The campaign to procure essential PPE equipment for the Isle of Wight’s care sector has received over £11,000 in donations within days of going live.
Wight Mask Ask was launched last week by national charity Embracing Age after realising shortages of appropriate equipment was putting the most vulnerable Islanders at risk.
The campaign, which is supported by the charity’s Island initiative ‘Care Home Friends’, will bulk buy masks and other protective equipment to distribute to care providers in need across the Isle of Wight.
A grant of £10,000 has been received via Wight Aid from the Crisis Appeal started by the Isle of Wight Council. A further £1,600 has been received directly to Wight Ask Mask from public donations.
Tina English, founder of Embracing Age, says:
“This is fantastic start for the Wight Mask Ask campaign. It means we will be able to start sourcing PPE much sooner than anticipated and getting it to those on the Isle of Wight who need it most.
“We are very grateful to everyone who donated to the Council’s Crisis Appeal or directly to us for their support. It will help us shield those in care and their carers from the devastating consequences of Covid-19.”
Islanders can donate to the Wight Mask Ask campaign by visiting the website www.wightmaskask.com.
The Isle of Wights care sector is predominantly private run business. The clients are charged alot of money for this service.
Though i do support the care workers that are on the front line. These company’s make a lot of money for the service they provide.
Why should we have to put our own hands i our pocket to help.
Care homes charge over 800 a week per person. Why are we being asked to find and fund equipment. The front line care staff should have their equipment provided by the employer whether that be agencies or homes. How can our money make any difference?