WightAID has celebrated its 10th birthday with a champagne afternoon tea at Northwood House as the Isle of Wight charity closes in on an impressive £1million of donations to local good causes.
Supporters, donors and trustees gathered at the historic venue earlier this month to mark a decade of giving, with afternoon tea provided by All About Catering.
New WightAID trustee Dale Howarth was introduced during the celebration, while a video made by Tom Stroud highlighted the work carried out by the charity.
The event was also used to launch a new campaign aimed at taking WightAID beyond the £1 million donation milestone by September 2027.
Islanders are being encouraged to make donations or organise their own fundraising activities to help achieve the target.
Since WightAID was established by founder Geoff Underwood in 2016, Island businesses and individuals have helped the charity distribute more than £920,000 to over 300 good causes.
Geoff has said:
“It was lovely to have all our supporters and trustees together in such a beautiful location, marking ten years of supporting Island charities and other groups.
Article continues below this advertisement “There is so much need here on the Isle of Wight and thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are meeting some of that need.
“From sports groups to arts organisations, mental health charities to social inclusion bodies, we have given money to so many good causes over the years.
“I would like to thank all the businesses who sponsored the afternoon tea and everybody else who made it happen.”
The anniversary celebration followed WightAID’s latest round of grant giving, which saw 6 Isle of Wight organisations receive more than £18,845 between them.
The largest award went to The Getaway Foundation, which received £6,135 to provide 10 respite breaks for Isle of Wight families during 2027.
The Foundation works with Isle of Wight social services to provide respite breaks for families affected by poverty.
Two Generation CIC received £4,500 for its Homeshare initiative, which pairs older people with younger people in their homes.
The project aims to restore a sense of purpose for older people, create meaningful relationships and help younger people amid pressures on affordable housing.
Independent Arts was awarded £3,210 for its Gallery Project, allowing artworks created by people in care homes and other settings to be exhibited and shared through films for those unable to visit in person.
Each exhibition will also be showcased through the charity’s website and social media, with films shared with participants as a lasting memento.
The Disabled Sailors Association received £2,000 to support a day of sailing for 20 disabled sailors from the Isle of Wight.
The organisation provides active sailing opportunities for people with a range of disabilities using a specially adapted fleet of boats.
A celebration marking 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme on the Isle of Wight was awarded £1,000.
Current participants and leaders from centres across the Island will hike from near their bases to Corf Scout Camp, where they will take part in outdoor adventure and craft activities, as well as a barbecue and campfire.
Ventnor Carnival Association also received funding towards its Heritage Day, including entertainment, a craft leader and materials.
Islanders wishing to support WightAID’s drive towards the £1 million milestone can donate at www.wightaid.org/donate.
